Kenneth R. Boettcher

Kenneth R. Boettcher

West Bend - Kenneth Russell Boettcher, of West Bend, WI, formerly of Brookfield, WI, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 years and 9 months on October 28th, 2020. He is now celebrating Christmas in the company of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his beloved wife Mary Ann (Miniea), son Richard, precious granddaughter Jessica (Hartwick), his parents Walter and Anna (Rummel), and his brother Wallace and sister Carrol (Reid). Ken is survived by two daughters, Susan (Jeffrey) Hartwick and Janice (Ron) Hawes, his grandchildren Torie, Greg, Leanne, and Nick and many dear family and friends.

Ken lived a full life, He was raised, during the Great Depression, by his father and stepmother Ivy (Vriedenburg) in Milwaukee, WI. He enrolled in the U.S. Marines at age 17 and served during WWII stationed in the Pacific theater. As one of the few remaining WWII veterans, he was honored to participate on a local Honor Flight in 2014. Though, true to form, he thought that he hadn't done anything special to deserve all the fuss.

After the war he returned to Milwaukee. There, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann, at a dance at the Eagles Ballroom. They married in 1952, celebrated 63 years together, and raised three wonderful children before Mary Ann's passing in 2005.

Following Ken's return from the military, he apprenticed as a carpenter learning the skills of the homebuilding trade. In 1959, with the help of his father, he built the family home in Brookfield, WI. Ken eventually launched his own home remodeling business. His clients always got his best work, a great value, and were treated with utmost respect.

Ken truly enjoyed people and sharing time and revelry. Couple's Club and Cousin's Club were legendary monthly events. Camping trips with family and friends were enjoyed by all. He enjoyed bowling and golfing with his dear friends, and traveling the country with his wife and children brought him great joy. He loved his family above all and he was always willing to assist with his time and talents and share his experiences. He held himself to a high personal standard and respected diversity of thought and enjoyed a robust debate on all topics of the day.

He was a lifelong learner and challenged himself to continue learning. He read numerous books on broad ranging subjects from religion, philosophy, world history, biographies, mathematics, chemistry, auto repair, medicine, and astrophysics. He also had an adventurous side. When asked if there was something he wanted to cross off his bucket list, he exclaimed, "I want to jump out of an airplane!" At the age of 92 1/2 he was granted that wish and family and friends gathered together to take part in his dream. His last word, as he jumped from the plane, was "Geronimo!"

Through it all Ken did it his way. He was at times stubborn, but always principled and fair. He hoped to live well without becoming a burden to others. He was granted this wish, staying sharp until the end and only having to endure a short time of decline in strength and independence. At his end he passed away peacefully, in his sleep, in the company of his family. He will always be remembered for his character, high personal code of honor, compassion for others, and love of family and friends. He was a wonderful and complicated man. We miss him dearly.

Ken never liked to be the center of attention and per his wishes there will be no services. Please keep him, and our family, in your thoughts and prayers.