Leon H. Boettcher, age 70, of Brillion, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 5, 2015 surrounded by his family. Leon was born on November 4, 1944 in Manitowoc, son of the late Leonard and Minnie (Hinz) Boettcher. He was a graduate of Brillion High School, class of 1962. Leon enlisted in the United States Army Reserves after high school. He and Karen Behnke were united in marriage on December 9, 1967 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brillion. Soon after they were married, he was called to serve our country with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Leon started his career at Huebner Implement in Forest Junction. He then went to work at the Ariens Company for over 47 years, supervising mainly in the paint department until his retirement in 2011. Leon also served the community on the Brillion Fire Department, retiring after 25 years in 1993. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brillion and the Bloedorn Becker Jensen American Legion Post 126 of Brillion. Leon loved hunting, fishing, going to the camper in Coloma. He especially liked watching his children and grandchildren play sports, and he loved spending time with his family. Leon is survived by his loving wife of 47 years: Karen of Brillion; their children: Dan (Barb) Boettcher of Brillion, Mike Boettcher of Brillion, Jody (Earl) Pomplun of Omro, and Lori (Jamie) Gajewske of Brillion; grandchildren: Brittany, Travis, Derek, Brady, Andrew, Matthew, and Jacob; one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law: Jim (Florence) Behnke and Carol Beyer, all of Brillion; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Herman C and Esther Behnke, siblings and in-laws: Eldore Boettcher, Marvyn (Ellen) Boettcher, Orlando "Butch" (Barbara) Behnke, Orville Behnke, Anita (Elton) Stichert, Betty (Delmar) Zarnoth, Richard Doughty, and Lloyd Beyer. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brillion. Officiating will be the Rev. Thomas Fricke. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Brillion where military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post 126 of Brillion. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. Online condolences may be made. The family would like to thank Pastor Ross Henzi and Pastor Thomas Fricke, the medical staff at Bellin Hospital, the Unity Hospice staff, and Wieting Funeral Home, especially Sarah, for everything they have done for us.
