Obit: Boettcher, Hazel M. (1917 – 2010)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Boettcher, Fuhrman, Straight, Swan, Hauge, Harkner, Good, Zellmer, Gjerseth, Shoemaker, Kirchman, Puent, Mewis, Rhea, Goetzka, Crandall, Lietz, Bevolden, Stigen

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) February 10, 2010

Boettcher, Hazel M. (4 December 1917 – 2 February 2010)

Hazel M. Boettcher, 92, of Tomah passed away Feb. 2, 2010, at her home.

She was born Dec. 4, 1917, to Edwin and Adeline (Fuhrman) Straight in the Township of Tomah.  She was a graduate of Tomah High School.

Hazel worked at the Badger Restaurant in Tomah for many years, and later she worked in the bakery at the Red Owl grocery store until her retirement.  Following her retirement, she worked with her daughter, Judy, caring for people in their foster home.  Hazel also became a live-in caregiver to many people in Tomah.

She was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ.

For a woman who never obtained a driver’s license, traveling was something she loved.  If the wheels on the vehicle were moving, her suitcase was packed to go.  Her last trip was in November of 2009 when she traveled to Branson, MO, for her birthday, where she received a kiss from Daniel O’Donnell.  It was a highlight of her life.

She is survived by her son, Ronald (Joanne Swan) Boettcher of Tomah; two daughters, Judy Hauge of Tomah and Kaye (Mike) Harkner of Tomah; a brother, LeRoy (Dorothy Good) Straight of Coloma; a sister, Doris Zellmer of Havre, MT; a sister-in-law, Lila Straight of Beloit; five grandchildren.  Kimberly (David) Gjerseth, Rhonda (Jeff) Shoemaker, Nancy (Jerry) Kirchman, Babette (Fred Puent), Martin and Kristi Mewis; six great-grandchildren, Brianna and Garret Gjerseth, Bruce and Brian Rhea, Chad and Justin Goetzka and David Shoemaker; three great-great-grandchildren, Kamryn Crandall, Trinity and Brayden Rhea; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Adeline; brothers, Leonard, Donald and Raymond Straight; and sisters, Gertrude Lietz, Mabel Lietz and Mildred Bevolden.

Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ.  Pastor Edwin Stigen officiated.  Burial followed in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends were invited for visitation Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010, from 5 p.m. until 7 p. m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends were also invited for visitation Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah assisted the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.