Willard E. Boettcher, age 86, of the town of Brillion, passed away on Saturday morning, December 8, 2012 at his residence. Willard was born on October 25, 1926 in the town of Brillion, son of the late Lydia and Emil Boettcher. He was a graduate of Brillion High School, class of 1944. On March 22, 1947, he married Vermay Bastian, and they were married for 65 years this year. She preceded him in death on October 25 of this year. He and Vermay farmed for many years together. They were also members of the Rural United Methodist Church in the town of Brillion and recently Zion United Methodist Church in Forest Junction. Willard enjoyed farming and old cars. Willard is survived by one son and daughter-in-law: David and Deb Boettcher of Brillion; two grandchildren: Christopher Chris (Terri) Boettcher and Carrie (Ray) Braden all of Brillion; two great-granddaughters: Lindsey Boettcher and Kendra Braden; sister-in-law: Bernice Tamm; step-grandchildren: Jason Hanke, William (Jenny) Braden, Vicky (Jesse) Kalies, and Chris Braden; the family dog: Rebel; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was further preceded in death by a son Donald in 2000, his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Phillip and Laura Bastian; three brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law: Leroy (Vera) Bastian, Frebert (Roma) Bastian, and Delton Tamm. Funeral Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at the Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion. Officiating will be the Rev. Becky Kindshi with burial to take place on Thursday in the Brillion Town Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 5:00 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com The Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion assisted the Boettcher family with arrangements. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Calumet Co Hospice and Calumet County Home Care for their compassion and care given to Willard.
