John Joseph Boetcher

John Joseph Boetcher, 73, passed away at Parkside Manor in Kenosha on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. John was born in Racine on August 28, 1942, the son of Helen (nee: Moritz) and John Joseph Boetcher Sr. He was a 1961 graduate of William Horlick High School, and a lifetime Racine area resident. On May 25, 1962 he was united in marriage to Charlene Olive. Together they had three children, Tracy, Thomas, and Trina. Sadly, Charlene passed away in 1976. On May 20, 1978 John found happiness again when he was married to Betty Wilks at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church.

John was employed at Hamilton Beach for many years, and then at SC Johnson in the receiving department for 34 years until he retired in 2007.  John was a family man, loving husband and father. He was known to be gruff on the outside but was just a big teddy bear on the inside; and was also known to be a big flirt. He enjoyed collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, listening to country music, and singing. He was a hard worker and always strived to help others. John was an active and faithful member of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church.

John is survived by his loving wife Betty Boetcher, his children Tracy (Jim) Frederiksen, Thomas Boetcher, Trina (David) Larsen, Tina (Matt) Kellner, Tiana (Travis) Schisel; grandchildren Adam Frederiksen, Nikki Frederiksen, Roxanne (Kurtis) Kreuzer, Thomas Boetcher Jr., Mac Larsen, Kataryna Larsen, Lexi Kellner, Leilani Kellner, DJ Schisel, Kolten Schisel, and Westen Schisel; great-grandchildren Rielle Kreuzer, and soon to arrive Aiden Boetcher. He is further survived by his brother Ronald (Pat) Boetcher, brothers-in-law: Alvin (Jean) Wilks, Jim (Carla) Wilks, Rob (Jeanne) Wilks; sister-in-law: Loretta Wilks; as well as many other relatives and friends, including Charlene’s brothers and sisters: Jim (Diane) Olive, Robert (Lynn) Olive, Mary (Walt) Henning, and Kathy Hohnhorst. John was preceded in death by his parents; fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law: Ray and Mabel Wilks and Robert and Emma Olive; and a brother-in-law: Norman Wilks.

Funeral services will be held at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 12 noon with Rev. David Echelbarger officiating. Visitation will begin in the church at 10 a.m. John will be laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park on Monday, September 28th at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in John’s memory to Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church.

We extend many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Artisan Senior Living; Parkside Manor; Grace Hospice; and most especially to John Poorman for all of the devotion and care that John received from each of you.