Walter
Walter J. Boettcher
On December 22, 2021, Walt Boettcher passed away at Vicinia Gardens in Otsego, Michigan. Born April 21, 1936, in Joliet Illinois, Walt was the son of Walter H. and Gertrude (Lauer). He graduated from Otsego High School in 1954, where he was a four-sport athlete (cross-country, basketball, baseball, and track) and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1959. Later in his career he returned to school to obtain his master’s degree in administration.
In 1958, Walt began his 32-year career in education. He served as a middle school social studies/phys ed teacher, a high school cross country coach, Assistant Middle School Principal and Assistant Superintendent in charge of operations and curriculum all within the Otsego Public School system. He retired in June 1991. Walt was always proud to be an Otsego Bulldog and in 2001 was inducted into the Otsego High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Walt was a talented handyman who expressed his love, to his children and grandchildren, with his willingness to take on any household project that might be presented to him. He enjoyed lawn care and washing his car and had a way of perfecting every task he tackled. He continued to enjoy sports throughout his life, both watching and playing. He especially enjoyed golfing, watching golf and attending golf tournaments whenever the opportunity arose. Walt enjoyed traveling, by train and by car. His was not a “hurry up and get there mentality”, but one that enjoyed the journey. He traveled often to Florida by train to visit family and took trips east and west to see as many historical sites as possible. He also enjoyed his 18 years of chaperoning the Otsego High School senior trip to Washington D.C. Walt’s favorite trip, though, may have been any walk to an ice cream parlor where he would treat whatever lucky grandchildren happened to be with him. He was a member of the Otsego Rotary and First Congregational Church of Otsego. It was at First Congregational on August 16, 1958, where he married his wife of 63 years, Nancy Benedict, who survives.
Also surviving are his three children, Linda (Scott) Sleeman of Otsego, MI, Tom (Debbie) Boettcher of Destin, FL, and Jill (Kevin) Barclay of Jackson, MI; 12 grandchildren, Ben (Nicole), Alex (Kaylee), Molly (Sam), Stephanie (Jesse), Mitchell, Corey (Morgan), Samantha, Erin (TJ), Abigail (Jason), Cole (Elizabeth), Travis, and Bryan; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Dick (Pat) Boettcher, and many nieces and nephews.
Walt was preceded in passing by his brother Jim and his parents.
Walt was cremated according to his wishes, and friends and family may visit to pay their respects to Walt and his family on Saturday, January 8, 2022, beginning at 10:00 AM at First Congregational Church of Otsego. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM officiated by Pastor Bruce VanDer Kolk.
Burial of his ashes will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery at a later date.
Masks are recommended.
Contributions in memory of Walt may be made to First Congregational Church of Otsego or
Wings of Hope Hospice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Walter J. Boettcher
Condolence Messages
Lori V
December 23, 2021 at 10:31 am
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember him as a kind and gentle man who always seemed to have a smile on his face. I will be praying for all of you to find peace, comfort and strength as you move forward without him.
Reply
Sherry Hanson
December 23, 2021 at 11:32 am
Nancy,, Linda, Jill & Tom and family- our sincere condolences in Walt’s passing. I remember a specific incident in junior high when I had him for my history teacher- still makes me laugh to this day. I’ll always remember his dry sense of humor. Gods Blessings on you all .
Mike & Sherry Hanson
Reply
Dawn Dines Ogden
December 23, 2021 at 11:39 am
Boettcher family, I am so sorry for your loss. Walt was a kind man.
Reply
Darl and Joyce Gilliland
December 23, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Dear Nancy and family. We are so sorry to hear about Walt. I had him for a teacher in Jr high school at the old Allegan St building but I remember seeing him in the school buildings numerous times during the many years I worked there. Our hearts are with all of you during this difficult time. May God cover you His peace ❤️
Reply
Frank Gibson
December 23, 2021 at 3:01 pm
Our condolences and prayers for you Nancy and the family! Walt was a great teacher and coach and I have many great memories running for him! I know one of his favorite activities was visiting Civil War sites. He will be missed
Reply
Janelle Oberhill
December 23, 2021 at 3:44 pm
I was so sorry to learn of Walt’s passing. My prayers for the entire family, and especially for Nancy. I have many fond memories of Walt, including several Washington trips together, nad countless Friday night parties after OHS sports events. He will be missed.
Reply
Mrs. Jim Hewitt (Patti)
December 23, 2021 at 4:26 pm
Dear Nancy & family,
Sorry to learn about Walt. Widowhood is not something we signed up for, yet it comes. Be kind and gentle with yourselves as you navigate the path of grief. Know in your hearts that your love was reciprocated
Reply
Maria D Howrigon
December 23, 2021 at 5:04 pm
So sorry to hear of Walt’s passing . you and your family are in our prayers.
Reply
Kathleen Snyder Fisher
December 23, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Nancy and family,
So sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. I remember him as a neighbor when I was little. He was always been so pleasant when our paths crossed. God Bless You all.
Kathi (Snyder) Fisher
Reply
Neil and Sue Browne
December 23, 2021 at 8:15 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy, Linda, Tom and Jill.
Reply
Jack A Smith
December 23, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Nancy – my prayers are going out to you and your family.
May God bless and care for you during this most difficult time.
Jack A. Smith
Reply
Jo golden
December 24, 2021 at 12:32 am
Nancy and family I am so sorry for your loss may God be with you through this difficult time and bless you and your family your friend
Reply
Tammy Thompson Drake
December 26, 2021 at 3:30 pm
There just isn’t enough words. So very sorry, prayers for all of you, please God wrap your arms around this beautiful family!
✨✨
Reply
Jacqueline Meyer
December 24, 2021 at 6:47 am
Nancy,
Sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great guy. What a full life with great memories.
Reply
Lynn Bronkema
December 24, 2021 at 9:22 am
Dear Nancy and Family My Heart Breaks for your Beloved Loss Of Walt. He’s such a Kind Soul and always had a Smile on his face ! He will be missed by all ! May he Rest In Peace ! Prayers and Love to all your Family !
Reply
Valerie Sisson
December 24, 2021 at 10:13 am
Nancy: my cousin Dan Minor sent me message about Walt. Sorry for your loss and I am praying for you and your family. Jerry went to be with Jesus in July 2020 and I live with my son Greg in Houston TX. I have been going over memories. God bless you and yours, Valerie.
Reply
Colleen (Kelsey) Ziemer
December 24, 2021 at 1:13 pm
So sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. He was my teacher in Middle School and I always enjoyed his class. He always had a calm and kind way about him.
Reply
David Hubbard
December 25, 2021 at 1:11 am
Nancy, we are saddened to hear your news. We hope you can turn to family and friends to wrap their arms around you in love! Our prayers are with you. Dave and Louise Hubbard
Reply
ROBERT MCPARLAN
December 25, 2021 at 10:44 am
Nanner. Sorry to hear of your loss of your longtime companion and soulmate. His was a life well lived. Cherish the memories and continue to enjoy your kids and grandkids that you shared together. Your friend bob mcp.
Reply
Kathy Plotts
December 26, 2021 at 10:20 am
Nancy and family
I am so so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. He was a well known and beloved member of our community. He will be missed.
Reply
Jim and Jean Cronkhite
December 27, 2021 at 5:13 pm
We are so sorry to hear about Walt’s passsing. We both remember him from High School and know that he was a kind, decent and fair man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Nancy.
With warm regards,,
Jim and Jean Cronkhite
Reply
Kevin & Jeanne Lewis
December 28, 2021 at 7:25 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Reply
John and Diane Glessner
December 28, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Dear Nancy and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Walt’s passing. He was a great guy and Otsego schools is a better place because of him. We are sorry we will not be able to attend his memorial as we will be in Florida. May you feel God’s love and assurance at this difficult time.
Sending love and prayers,
John and Diane Glessner
Reply
Cindy Whitaker
December 30, 2021 at 7:55 am
Nancy, I am so very sorry to hear this. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep the happy memories flowing sweet lady.
Reply
Ella Lynn Deneau
December 30, 2021 at 11:08 am
Nancy and Linda and family:
Our hearts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
God Bless and comfort you all during this time of mourning.
Love, Jim and Ellyn Deneau
Reply
Kelly Boettcher
December 30, 2021 at 11:33 am
Aunt Nancy,
Words can’t describe how sorry I am at Uncle Walt’s passing. What a beautiful life he lived. My heart is heavy, and I know yours is too. As you go through this difficult time, remember that you are so loved and surrounded by friends and family.
I will always remember his kindness, his smile and laugh~!
You’re in my prayers.
Your Niece,
Kelly
Reply
Peggy Thompson
January 9, 2022 at 9:28 pm
Nancy, Linda, Tom, Jill & Families,
My thoughts & Prayers are with you… May all the great memories help you through the hardest times…
The first time I remember meeting Mr & Mrs Boettcher was the Senior trip to Washington DC They were chaperones with Mr. and Mrs. Miles.. The pictures I have, I believe they’re eating ice cream cones… at a travel plaza… ❤️
Reply
Maxine Ruth Wagner
April 9, 2022 at 7:52 pm
Dear Nancy,
Although you may not remember me, I knew you when my uncle, Seth Clay, was your minister. My uncle always was mentioning about your family. I want to give you my condolences, on be half of the Clay/Wagner families. Maxine Wagner
Reply
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In 1958, Walt began his 32-year career in education. He served as a middle school social studies/phys ed teacher, a high school cross country coach, Assistant Middle School Principal and Assistant Superintendent in charge of operations and curriculum all within the Otsego Public School system. He retired in June 1991. Walt was always proud to be an Otsego Bulldog and in 2001 was inducted into the Otsego High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Walt was a talented handyman who expressed his love, to his children and grandchildren, with his willingness to take on any household project that might be presented to him. He enjoyed lawn care and washing his car and had a way of perfecting every task he tackled. He continued to enjoy sports throughout his life, both watching and playing. He especially enjoyed golfing, watching golf and attending golf tournaments whenever the opportunity arose. Walt enjoyed traveling, by train and by car. His was not a “hurry up and get there mentality”, but one that enjoyed the journey. He traveled often to Florida by train to visit family and took trips east and west to see as many historical sites as possible. He also enjoyed his 18 years of chaperoning the Otsego High School senior trip to Washington D.C. Walt’s favorite trip, though, may have been any walk to an ice cream parlor where he would treat whatever lucky grandchildren happened to be with him. He was a member of the Otsego Rotary and First Congregational Church of Otsego. It was at First Congregational on August 16, 1958, where he married his wife of 63 years, Nancy Benedict, who survives.
Also surviving are his three children, Linda (Scott) Sleeman of Otsego, MI, Tom (Debbie) Boettcher of Destin, FL, and Jill (Kevin) Barclay of Jackson, MI; 12 grandchildren, Ben (Nicole), Alex (Kaylee), Molly (Sam), Stephanie (Jesse), Mitchell, Corey (Morgan), Samantha, Erin (TJ), Abigail (Jason), Cole (Elizabeth), Travis, and Bryan; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Dick (Pat) Boettcher, and many nieces and nephews.
Walt was preceded in passing by his brother Jim and his parents.
Walt was cremated according to his wishes, and friends and family may visit to pay their respects to Walt and his family on Saturday, January 8, 2022, beginning at 10:00 AM at First Congregational Church of Otsego. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 AM officiated by Pastor Bruce VanDer Kolk.
Burial of his ashes will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery at a later date.
Masks are recommended.
Contributions in memory of Walt may be made to First Congregational Church of Otsego or
Wings of Hope Hospice.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Walter J. Boettcher
Condolence Messages
Lori V
December 23, 2021 at 10:31 am
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember him as a kind and gentle man who always seemed to have a smile on his face. I will be praying for all of you to find peace, comfort and strength as you move forward without him.
Reply
Sherry Hanson
December 23, 2021 at 11:32 am
Nancy,, Linda, Jill & Tom and family- our sincere condolences in Walt’s passing. I remember a specific incident in junior high when I had him for my history teacher- still makes me laugh to this day. I’ll always remember his dry sense of humor. Gods Blessings on you all .
Mike & Sherry Hanson
Reply
Dawn Dines Ogden
December 23, 2021 at 11:39 am
Boettcher family, I am so sorry for your loss. Walt was a kind man.
Reply
Darl and Joyce Gilliland
December 23, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Dear Nancy and family. We are so sorry to hear about Walt. I had him for a teacher in Jr high school at the old Allegan St building but I remember seeing him in the school buildings numerous times during the many years I worked there. Our hearts are with all of you during this difficult time. May God cover you His peace ❤️
Reply
Frank Gibson
December 23, 2021 at 3:01 pm
Our condolences and prayers for you Nancy and the family! Walt was a great teacher and coach and I have many great memories running for him! I know one of his favorite activities was visiting Civil War sites. He will be missed
Reply
Janelle Oberhill
December 23, 2021 at 3:44 pm
I was so sorry to learn of Walt’s passing. My prayers for the entire family, and especially for Nancy. I have many fond memories of Walt, including several Washington trips together, nad countless Friday night parties after OHS sports events. He will be missed.
Reply
Mrs. Jim Hewitt (Patti)
December 23, 2021 at 4:26 pm
Dear Nancy & family,
Sorry to learn about Walt. Widowhood is not something we signed up for, yet it comes. Be kind and gentle with yourselves as you navigate the path of grief. Know in your hearts that your love was reciprocated
Reply
Maria D Howrigon
December 23, 2021 at 5:04 pm
So sorry to hear of Walt’s passing . you and your family are in our prayers.
Reply
Kathleen Snyder Fisher
December 23, 2021 at 5:45 pm
Nancy and family,
So sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. I remember him as a neighbor when I was little. He was always been so pleasant when our paths crossed. God Bless You all.
Kathi (Snyder) Fisher
Reply
Neil and Sue Browne
December 23, 2021 at 8:15 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy, Linda, Tom and Jill.
Reply
Jack A Smith
December 23, 2021 at 8:47 pm
Nancy – my prayers are going out to you and your family.
May God bless and care for you during this most difficult time.
Jack A. Smith
Reply
Jo golden
December 24, 2021 at 12:32 am
Nancy and family I am so sorry for your loss may God be with you through this difficult time and bless you and your family your friend
Reply
Tammy Thompson Drake
December 26, 2021 at 3:30 pm
There just isn’t enough words. So very sorry, prayers for all of you, please God wrap your arms around this beautiful family!
✨✨
Reply
Jacqueline Meyer
December 24, 2021 at 6:47 am
Nancy,
Sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great guy. What a full life with great memories.
Reply
Lynn Bronkema
December 24, 2021 at 9:22 am
Dear Nancy and Family My Heart Breaks for your Beloved Loss Of Walt. He’s such a Kind Soul and always had a Smile on his face ! He will be missed by all ! May he Rest In Peace ! Prayers and Love to all your Family !
Reply
Valerie Sisson
December 24, 2021 at 10:13 am
Nancy: my cousin Dan Minor sent me message about Walt. Sorry for your loss and I am praying for you and your family. Jerry went to be with Jesus in July 2020 and I live with my son Greg in Houston TX. I have been going over memories. God bless you and yours, Valerie.
Reply
Colleen (Kelsey) Ziemer
December 24, 2021 at 1:13 pm
So sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. He was my teacher in Middle School and I always enjoyed his class. He always had a calm and kind way about him.
Reply
David Hubbard
December 25, 2021 at 1:11 am
Nancy, we are saddened to hear your news. We hope you can turn to family and friends to wrap their arms around you in love! Our prayers are with you. Dave and Louise Hubbard
Reply
ROBERT MCPARLAN
December 25, 2021 at 10:44 am
Nanner. Sorry to hear of your loss of your longtime companion and soulmate. His was a life well lived. Cherish the memories and continue to enjoy your kids and grandkids that you shared together. Your friend bob mcp.
Reply
Kathy Plotts
December 26, 2021 at 10:20 am
Nancy and family
I am so so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. He was a well known and beloved member of our community. He will be missed.
Reply
Jim and Jean Cronkhite
December 27, 2021 at 5:13 pm
We are so sorry to hear about Walt’s passsing. We both remember him from High School and know that he was a kind, decent and fair man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Nancy.
With warm regards,,
Jim and Jean Cronkhite
Reply
Kevin & Jeanne Lewis
December 28, 2021 at 7:25 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Reply
John and Diane Glessner
December 28, 2021 at 4:45 pm
Dear Nancy and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Walt’s passing. He was a great guy and Otsego schools is a better place because of him. We are sorry we will not be able to attend his memorial as we will be in Florida. May you feel God’s love and assurance at this difficult time.
Sending love and prayers,
John and Diane Glessner
Reply
Cindy Whitaker
December 30, 2021 at 7:55 am
Nancy, I am so very sorry to hear this. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep the happy memories flowing sweet lady.
Reply
Ella Lynn Deneau
December 30, 2021 at 11:08 am
Nancy and Linda and family:
Our hearts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
God Bless and comfort you all during this time of mourning.
Love, Jim and Ellyn Deneau
Reply
Kelly Boettcher
December 30, 2021 at 11:33 am
Aunt Nancy,
Words can’t describe how sorry I am at Uncle Walt’s passing. What a beautiful life he lived. My heart is heavy, and I know yours is too. As you go through this difficult time, remember that you are so loved and surrounded by friends and family.
I will always remember his kindness, his smile and laugh~!
You’re in my prayers.
Your Niece,
Kelly
Reply
Peggy Thompson
January 9, 2022 at 9:28 pm
Nancy, Linda, Tom, Jill & Families,
My thoughts & Prayers are with you… May all the great memories help you through the hardest times…
The first time I remember meeting Mr & Mrs Boettcher was the Senior trip to Washington DC They were chaperones with Mr. and Mrs. Miles.. The pictures I have, I believe they’re eating ice cream cones… at a travel plaza… ❤️
Reply
Maxine Ruth Wagner
April 9, 2022 at 7:52 pm
Dear Nancy,
Although you may not remember me, I knew you when my uncle, Seth Clay, was your minister. My uncle always was mentioning about your family. I want to give you my condolences, on be half of the Clay/Wagner families. Maxine Wagner
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
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How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
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