Dennis K. Boettcher, 77

Blue Earth – Dennis Keith Boettcher, known to many as Denny or just DK, passed away on March 16, 2024, at United Hospital in Blue Earth, at the age of 77. A public visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. A private memorial service for the family will be held the following day and officiated by Rev. Dr. Jeanette Bidne. Please see www.nasinecfh.com to leave online condolences. Nasinec Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

He was born on April 7, 1946, in Blue Earth and was raised in both Blue Earth, and Tucson, Arizona. Denny attended school in Blue Earth and in Tucson, graduating from Rincon High School in Tucson, Arizona, in 1964.

Denny was married to Sharon “Sherry” Schmid on July 29, 1967, in Springfield. The couple later divorced. He married Elizabeth “Liz” Ekstrand on Sept. 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; and Travis, of Lino Lakes; sister, Nancy; as well as nine 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); and the mother of his children, Sherry (Schmid) Johnson.