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William David Boettcher

May 14, 1928 - August 3, 2021

William David Boettcher, 93, passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at Genesis Senior Living in Des Moines, Iowa. Bill was born on May 14, 1928 in Calmar, Iowa  to Elva (Holding) Boettcher and William Walter Boettcher. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd) in Ankeny, IA. A memorial service will take place at 5:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Bill grew up during the depression in small Iowa towns valuing family and friends. He loved to fish and spend time with his family. He had a passion for baseball. He played second base for Burt in high school, and a Bancroft Legion team, narrowly missing a national tournament. Bill then went on to play semi-pro baseball for the Slater Nighthawks. He continued his love of the game coaching his children and at the high school level. If you spent much time in Bill’s company, you would hear about when either he or his father played baseball. Bill loved to steal second base! 

Bill also valued education, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1949, majoring in mathematics. He taught math and science for several years. He also coached baseball and basketball. His Masters degree was earned in Educational Administration. He continued to teach math and coach, but was also a guidance counselor. From 1962-1975 Bill was a school psychologist for the Des Moines Public Schools. A Ph.D in Administration of Special Education was obtained in 1974. He finished his career in education at the Heartland Educational Agency.

Bill’s biggest passion was his family. He loved spending time with them fishing, playing baseball, playing cards (and usually winning),  Easter egg hunts, and listening. His life was an example of how to live a full life, with love, devotion, and conviction.

Bill is survived by his wife,  Marilyn. They were married for 70 years. They met when Bill was coaching girls’ basketball in Slater, Iowa. He was her coach! He is also survived by his children, Bill (Leslie) Boettcher, and Tara (Mark) Sitrick; grandchildren, Ryen William, David Ryan, William David, and Joseph Richard; and great-grandchildren Jakobe and Callie. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and daughter, Tamara.