Dennis Keith Boettcher, known to many as Denny or just DK, passed away on March 16, 2024, at United Hospital in Blue Earth, Minnesota, at the age of 77. A public visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, MN, on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 4-7 PM. A private memorial service for the family will be held and officiated by Rev. Dr. Jeanette Bidne.
He was born on April 7, 1946, in Blue Earth, MN, and was raised in both Blue Earth, MN, and Tucson, AZ. Denny attended school in Blue Earth and in Tucson, graduating from Rincon High School in Tucson, AZ, in 1964.
Denny was married to Sharon “Sherry” Schmid on July 29, 1967, in Springfield, MN. The couple later divorced. He married Elizabeth “Liz” Ekstrand on September 10, 1977, in Blue Earth. Denny and Liz made their home in Blue Earth for all of their married life.
Denny had a diverse career history, working as a carpet layer, independently and with Mike Northwick; at Blue Earth Monument Works with his cousin Harley Schmitgen; as a bartender; truck driver owner-operator; courier for a photo developing service; bail bondsman; and lawn service provider. He could also be called an amateur car dealer, having owned many, many vehicles throughout his life.
In his free time, Denny enjoyed riding motorcycles, photography, drinking coffee at local restaurants, going to Mexico with Liz for vacations, and pursuing his passion for fixing and tinkering with things. He even held a private pilot’s license at one point.
Denny will be remembered for his willingness to help his neighbors and his knack for fixing just about anything, especially vehicles and motors.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Liz” (Ekstrand) Boettcher; four sons Christopher, Todd, and Chad (Carrie Porubcan) of Mankato MN; and Travis of Lino Lakes, MN; sister Nancy, as well as 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Thelma (Hague) Boettcher, his in-laws Alvin “Bud” and Edanelle “Eddie” Ekstrand; sisters Irene (Sylvan Larson) and Marian (Lloyd Neuhalfen), brother Willard (Louise Zielske), sister-in-law Tracy (Ekstrnd) Lee, and the mother of his children, Sherry (Schmid) Johnson.
So sorry to hear this Denny was a dear friend to my uncle Jon Lund and was always so helpful to my mother when she moved to Blue Earth. He was a very kind man RIP Denny.
So sorry to learn of Denny’s death. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I worked at Blue Earth Shell for about a year and would love seeing Mr Denny come in and order breakfast ( I cooked in the deli). He will be missed deeply. My deepest condolences to his family
Denny was a good friend. He was always more than willing to help with the different motorcycles that we both owned. We drank alot coffee and always had a good laugh. His motto was turn the dam radio down. Denny will be missed…
Rip Denny wont be the same without you cruising around BE in your truck or harley.
So sorry to hear that Denny passed. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He helped me with the lawn after Bob passed and I was so grateful for that. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate the days ahead. The pictures you posted are so “Denny”.
We are so sorry for the family’s loss! I know Denny is very much missed. We feel fortunate to have met Denny on a visit to Blue Earth and send prayers!
I am so sorry to hear this, my condolences to Todd and the rest of the family. My thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to you Liz and your family. My daughters loved waiting on him at Country Kitchen. I loved seeing him growing up with his beautiful white hair❤️
Dennis and I Fished in “Come and go Lake” behind my home and theirs in the early 50’s, I was at 403 N. Holland and he was in the first house north of my home. Come and go Lake was the flood waters that would come up and flood to the back of each property on N. Holland. I remember when Herman and Dennis’s Mother moved into the house. I was in Blue Earth many years ago for a Class Reunion and bumped into Dennis. We had a nice visit and likely told each other a few lies. Sorry I couldn’t visit with you earlier, but just got my copy of the paper in the mail today. ” May the Higher Power that I have come to know be with you and yours”.
Mike McGoff, Brodhead WI