BOETCHER, Howard "Butch" F., age 92

Died: Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017

Memorial Visitation: from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2017 at the funeral home

Interment: at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to VFW Post 305 or to Pinehurst Lutheran Church

Howard "Butch" Boetcher, age 92, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Oak Gardens Assisted Living in Altoona.

Howard was born on January 11, 1925 to the late Ira and Elvera (Steinke) Boetcher in Eau Claire. He went to school in Eau Claire, graduating in 1942 from Eau Claire Senior High. In 1943, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and participated in the invasion of Normandy aboard one of the first landing boats. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946. 

After returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Yvonne Fleming, on July 22, 1946 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. They were blessed with two sons, Paul and Daniel. Howard and Yvonne were long time members of Pinehurst Lutheran Church. In 1950, he joined the Eau Claire Police Department, retiring after 30 years of service. Butch enjoyed rabbit hunting with his two beagles, squirrel hunting with his dog, Max, and being with his hunting buddies at many deer camps. He was a life member of VFW Post 305 and enjoyed many a "High Life" with the guys. Howard and Yvonne spent over 35 summers at Oak Grove Resort in Chetek fishing and relaxing with the gang. He will be truly missed.

Butch is survived by son, Paul (Kathy); grandchildren, Kelly Boetcher (Jason Emerson), Daniel (Vanessa) Boetcher all of Eau Claire, and Keith (Melanie) Boetcher of Pipestone, MN; great grandchildren, Tegan, Tristan, Waylon, Lucy and Simon; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Yvonne; son, Dan; brothers, Donald, Robert and Charles.

The family would like to give a special "thank you" to the staff at Oak Gardens for all of their wonderful care and compassion.