William L. Boettcher (1941-2014)

William Boettcher

William (Bill) L. Boettcher, 73, of Kenosha passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday November 5, 2014 at Brookside Care Center after a year-long struggle to regain his pace.

Born March 3, 1941 to Emil and Frances (Doksus) Boettcher, he was a dedicated, loyal and resolute husband, father and grandfather. He graduated from Kenosha High School (Bradford) onstage at Kenosha Theater in 1959 and joined the Navy. And was promoted twice in 5 ½ years of service before his honorable discharge.

Bill worked at Snap-On Tools, a hard travelling Senior Systems Analyst, until his retirement. His love of travel included a summer excursion to Alaska with his sister and granddaughter. He has accomplished a lifelong journey, travelling to 49 states, all except Hawaii, the 50th and it’s been said that Bill is seeing ‘his 50th state’ from a new perspective.

A lifelong student, he graduated from Lake Forest Management School and audited classes at UW-Parkside. Two of his favorite pastimes were walking 5 miles inside the university hallways, and researching the archives at the museums and libraries.

He became an astute historian of Kenosha’s theatre histories, having two presentations in recent years at local libraries, with his good friend Donn Cutler. A dvd of one is available at Kenosha Public Library.

He married Joanne Dziedzic and together they raised a family of four children and eight grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Joanne, sons Joel and Ryan, daughters Audrey and Donna Peterson, grandsons John E. Peterson III, Nathan, Nikolas and Alexander, granddaughters Jessica B. Peterson, Maralyn, Zoe and Josephine. He is also survived by one sister, Lynda Burgan of WA, two brothers Joseph Doksus of MO and Rick Boettcher of TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Francine Curtis and a daughter Belinda Joanne.

A private viewing before burial was a resolute directive by this man who preferred above all “peace and quiet”.

Honor and respect followed him by full military honor guard at interment. Online condolences may be directed to www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com or snail mail.

Bill loved the sea and rests at the lake’s edge and was a member of Navy Club Ship 40.

Many thanks for all Bill’s friends and acquaintances who recognized his specialness of character and gave him comradery and comfort including St. Casimirs Congregation, The Friday morning Breakfast Classmates at Marina Gardens, The Kenosha Theater Restoration Committee, The University of Wisconsin-Parkside Staff and employees and the Navy Club Ship 40, and caregivers.

Anchors Aweigh, Bill

Thoughts for William L. Boettcher (1941-2014);

  • Shirley Kermgard says:

    Bill was a great neighbor for so many years, always so helpful after my husband Bob became ill.
    My thoughts are with Joanne and the family at this time.

  • Shirley Kermgard says:

    Bill was a great neighbor for many years. So helpful after my husband Bob became ill.
    My thoughts are with Joanne and the family.

    Shirley

  • Bill, two other individuals and I worked and traveled side-by-side, as a team, for more than four years. There was certain chemistry among the four of us and Bill helped make that chemistry work and make that time filled with the best of memories. I looked forward each Veterans Day to visiting with Bill at the annual memorial ceremony at the Navy Memorial Park. This year, especially today, Veterans Day, he will be deeply missed, but I’m certain his legacy will be celebrated. His laughter and conversation will endure in our hearts. May God continue to bless his family.

  • It’s always sad when a great man dies. He was great to me because he loved his family, God, country, and employer. Bill worked his butt off for all. I knew Bill from work and was lucky to be on the team with him that Dave mentioned. Bill knew systems inside and out and was a real asset to our team. During tough times he had patience and a calm that kept us on target and helped us achieve success. It was a true honor to know Bill. I hope the fine memories I have of him will never fade.

    My deepest condolences to the family.

  • Fred & Anna Sauceda says:

    we are sadden to hear that Bill passed away. he was a great neighbor and friend our condolences to Joanne and family.he will be missed by the many people who’s life he touch. with deepest condolences to Joanne and Family Fred and Anna Sauceda

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