increase font size

print story

Hazel M. Boettcher,

Hazel M. Boettcher

Hazel M. Boettcher, age 92, of Tomah, WI, passed away Feb. 2, 2010, at her home. She was born December 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 drivers 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, WI; two daughters, Judy Hauge of Tomah, WI, and Kaye (Mike) Harkner of Tomah, WI; a brother LeRoy (Dorothy Good) Straight of Coloma, WI; and a sister, Doris Zellmer of Havre, Montana; a sister-in-law, Lila Straight of Beloit, WI; 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; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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

Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Pastor Edwin Stigen will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation Thursday, February 4, 2010, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Family and friends are also invited for visitation Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be given to Tomah Hospice Touch or the TACS. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.