He was born Dec. 17, 1911, in Wilton, Wis., to the late Edward and Emma Boetzel. He graduated from Wilton High School and attended the University of La Crosse in La Crosse, Wis. He was the former owner and operator of Boetzel's Hardware for 32 years in Wilton. He was the former Scoutmaster of Wilton Troop #202, secretary-treasurer of Wilton Methodist Church, member of the Board of Trustees, President of the Board of Education, Pastor Master of Wilton Lodge #203 F&AM, member of the Consistory, Eau Claire; member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in La Crosse and of Sumpter Lodge #419 F&AM in Hot Springs, Ark. He had been a resident of Hot Springs for the past 39 years and was a member of Piney Grove United Methodist Church.

He was predeceased by his parents and his two sisters, Viola Hull and Irene Boetzel, and his nephew, John Hull, all of Markesan, and his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Arlene Babbitt of Tomah.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Margaret Babbitt Boetzel; his daughter and son-in-law, Diana and Merwyn Smith of Hot Springs; his two grandchildren, Greg Smith and Wendy Gunderson of Kansas City, Mo.; his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Darlene Babbitt of Wilton; many nieces and nephews and tons of friends.

Pallbearers will be Ed Eddings, Seth Gunderson, Frank Poole, Richard Sadowski, Jay Shaw and Jim Watson.

Honorary pallbearers were Paul Babbitt, John LoVerde, Jerry Rosenburg, Gordon Smith, Bud Strouts, Woody Doxtator, Sumpter Lodge #419, caregivers Kathy and Mary Ann, Dr. English, nurses Kathy and Lisa, the staff at Quapaw Care & Rehab Unit, Piney Grove's United Methodist Men, all their Southwood friends and all the staff at 450 West Grand Ave.

Visitation was Sunday April 17th at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, Hot Springs Ark.
Services were Monday, April 18, at 1 p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, with Rev. Larry Ferguson and Dr. Randy Rowlan officiating. Burial was at Crestview Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Piney Grove United Methodist Church or Garland County Animal Welfare Association.