CENTRALIA — Ronald C. Boettcher, Sr., 76, formerly of Centralia, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Mt. Vernon surrounded by his family.
Ron entered into this world on December 10, 1946 in Granite City, Illinois the son of Alvin C. Boettcher and Dorothy (Smith) Boettcher. He married the love of his life, Pamela (Elliott) Boettcher, on July 8, 1973 who survives him in Mt. Vernon.
In addition to his wife Pamela Boettcher of 50 years, Ron leaves behind by his five children to mourn his loss: Heather Tate and husband Jason of Centralia, Karon Johannes and husband Stephen of St. Charles, Missouri, Ronald C. Boettcher, Jr. and wife Misty of Keiser, Arkansas, Tiffany Carter and husband Zac of Charleston, and Richard Boettcher and wife Brittney of Centralia; nine grandchildren: Emily Johannes, Chloe Tate, Benjamin Boettcher, Timothy Boettcher, Cameron Boettcher, Cole Tate, Zachary Johannes, Samuel Boettcher, and Sophie Carter; two brothers: Allen Boettcher, Sr. and wife Regina of Centralia and Robert Boettcher, Sr. and wife Suki of Waldorf, Maryland; two sisters: Rita Leathers and husband Neil of Rotorua, New Zealand and Judy McKinney and husband James Richard of Virden; and several nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents: Alvin and Dorothy Boettcher; in-laws: Floyd and Jessie Elliott; and one nephew: AJ Kirby.
Ron served in the Navy from 1966-1970 during the Vietnam War where he ranked Gunners Mate Petty Officer 2nd Class and served on the USS Montrose and the USS Dubuque. He was awarded the National Service Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After returning from the war, he met and married his love of his life Pamela Elliott. Ron wished to live to his 50th anniversary which he made it to and passes away the night of.
Ron was a humble, down-to-Earth man. He worked hard all of his life to provide for his family. He worked at Little Fuse and Wheaton Plastics for over 30 years. He had a number of different hobbies and was a jack of all trades. He shared his love of science fiction with his children. He had wonderful sense of humor, so much so he poked fun of his youngest son on his deathbed. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by those that knew him.
A Celebration of Life service for Ronald Boettcher, Sr. will be held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home before the service from 9:00 am till the time of service 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Centralia Humane Society, Centralia Historical Museum, or Band Aide and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Boettcher family.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com.