HOWARD “HOWIE” “HB” BOETTCHER

HOWARD “HOWIE” “HB” BOETTCHER

     Howard “Howie” “HB” Lee Boettcher, 71, of Taylor, died Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse surrounded by family.

     Howard was born March 7, 1954, in Minneapolis, MN, to Donald and Joan (Schrier) Boettcher.

     Howard attended grade school in the Alma Center School District through eighth grade. After his father’s passing, his mother remarried Gordon Simonson in 1968, and the family moved to Taylor where he attended high school and graduated in 1972. After graduation, he was actively involved in the Taylor Rod & Gun Club, the Taylor Fire Department, the Taylor FFA alumni and was the grand marshal for the Taylor Old Fashioned Days parade.

     Howard bartended for the local bars, worked at P&S Farm Supply, Ashley Furniture and then he became a truck driver, which included hauling milk and semi driving for Millis Transfer, Greenleaf Trucking and Bill and Sam McNulty Farms and Trucking of Black River Falls for the last 16 years up until the time of his stroke in March of 2019.

     Howard was always willing to help friends, family and neighbors whenever and wherever needed. He was an avid fan of old western movies, old classic country music, playing cards and watching the Packers.

     Howard is survived by his two children, Jeryd (friend Brandi Smith) Waldera and Janessa (friend Dakkota Jester) Waldera, both of Black River Falls; seven grandchildren, Cooper, Zaihlynn, Riley, Daxton, Damon, Graysyn and Hunter; nine nieces and nephews, Scott, Troy, Lisa, Kathy, Lisa, Lori, Stacy and Shelly and Shelby; several grandnieces and grandnephews; two sisters, Judy (Paul) Olson and Robin (J.R.) Sanders, both of rural Taylor; and a special friend, Octavia Bue of Taylor.

     In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by a brother, Richard; his step-father, Gordon Simonson; a niece, Nicky Boettcher; a brother-in-law, Bill Kneifl; and two nephews, David and Andy Kneifl.

     Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Taylor Community Center in Taylor with Pastor Elden Simonson officiating. A celebration of life will follow from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Taylor Fire & Rescue or the Woodlawn Cemetery Association, C/O Judy Olson, W157766 West Jackson Road, Taylor, WI  54639.

     The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.