[1] Born in Superior, Wisconsin, Bottolfsen moved with his family to Fessenden, North Dakota, in 1902 where he was educated in the public schools.

While in high school, he worked as a printer's devil (an apprentice or errand boy) in a local printing shop.

While governor in 1944, Bottolfsen was the Republican nominee for the United States Senate,[8][9] but was defeated by Democrat Glen Taylor in the general election.

He was also active with the El Korah Shrine in Boise, the Rotary Club, and the Arco Chamber of Commerce.

[17] His papers are contained within the University of Idaho Library in Moscow,[18] and he and his wife are interred at Hillcrest Cemetery in Arco.