On Aug. 24, 2026, at the age of 91, Donald F. “Don” Boettcher successfully “shot the moon,” passing away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Born in Menomonie on May 9, 1935, Don was the youngest of eight children born to Ida and Otto Boetcher. He attended high school at the Dunn County School of Agriculture and Domestic Economy, where he graduated in 1953.
In the fall of 1957, Don entered the United States Army. Following basic training in Fort Collins, Colorado, he secured an assignment in Southeast Wisconsin to be near his then-girlfriend, Carol A. Gilson, a graduate of U.W. Stout who was raised in the Waterford area. The couple wed on July 24, 1958.
Following his military discharge, Don worked at Western Publishing and Belle City Foundry in Racine. He began his postal career in Waterford in 1969, proudly carrying the mail and serving his customers along his Wind Lake route until his retirement in1996.
A devoted, hands-on father, Don took an active role in raising his five daughters, from playing marbles and reading to his girls to showing them how to use power tools. He led by example, instilling honesty, self-reliance, a strong work ethic, and common sense in each of them. His pride of ownership showed in the care he took in maintaining his home and yard until his final weeks. In his free time, Don enjoyed golfing and spent many years bowling in Waterford and Burlington leagues, often recalling the countless friendships and acquaintances he made along the way. Sharp as a tack throughout his 91 years, Don was a master card player and a natural storyteller. He was happiest reminiscing about his old mail route or local history, playing cribbage, or challenging his family to ‘a little’ Rummikub, Hearts, Yahtzee, or Farkle.
Marked by visits and phone calls from his extended family, Don’s final days were a fitting reflection of a lifetime spent putting family first.
Don is survived by his children, Kathleen Boettcher, Christine Boettcher, Connie (Rex) Newton, Joan (Bill) Young, and Susan Boettcher; grandchildren, Grant Newton (fiancée Sarah Stewart), Talia (Chris) Newton-Tuttle, and Jacob (Halle) Young; his brother Kenneth Boetcher, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Carol, both his and her siblings, in-laws, and other relatives.
Per Don’s wishes, a private burial will be held at a later date.
Services have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Services. For online condolences or full obituary, visit www.integrityfunerals.net.