Edward 'Ed' Boettcher

Memorial services for Ed Boettcher, of Donnelly, Minnesota, will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, rural Morris, with Reverend Michael Hanson officiating; a visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church, serving rolls and coffee in celebration of Ed.  A visitation will be on Friday evening, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris.   Burial will be at Summit Cemetery in Morris.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Edward ‘Ed’ Arnold Boettcher, who left us on February 25, 2024, at the age of 76 years. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends as he peacefully transitioned to the next chapter of his journey.

Ed was born in Morris, Minnesota on March 21, 1947, to Arnold and Carol Boettcher. Ed grew up in Morris, and lived in town with his mom, dad, and siblings. He was diagnosed with Polio at the age of 5, when his aunt, who was an RN, came and stayed with them to help care for him with Ed’s mom. Per his siblings, from that day forward he was the “chosen child”. He could do no wrong in his parents’ eyes and was often the one that found trouble. Ed was known to do “funny” things like: let cattle out of their pens to run free in the city of Hancock, and to flatten his car tires and ride the train tracks. 

Growing up, Ed loved spending time with his dad hunting, fishing and working on the Frank Farm. Ed’s parents purchased an implement dealership originally called ‘Arnie’s Farm Store’ in the fall of 1967, where Ed was often found working with his dad. It eventually became his full-time job and In November of 1976, when his dad passed away, Ed and his brother Scott took over the family business. When the small dealerships began struggling to survive, Ed and Scott turned the implement dealership into a sporting clay range called “The Shoot Out” and later had PrairieLand Equipment Storage Rental which they still ran together.

Ed was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. From downhill skiing, fishing, hunting, swimming, gardening, canning and playing ball with his family and friends; to building his own homes, cabins, canoes, and docks; Ed’s talents were innumerable. 

Ed especially looked forward to special activities with his kids, grandkids, wife, nieces, nephews, siblings and friends. In the Fall, there was apple picking and baking pies, and in November and December it was Christmas cookies and lefse making. He loved creating, teaching and sharing his recipes and many talents with others.  He enjoyed conversations of auctions, politics, and gun collecting with his son, Troy. 

His warmth, kindness, amazing baking skills, and varied talents made him the heart of their family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, memories, and the values he instilled in each of us.

For some of you in his family and/or community, you may not know, but he was SANTA. In the early years of their marriage, Ed and Lori enjoyed playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the Morris and surrounding communities. He had a jolly laugh and a gentle way about him that made this role a perfect fit.

Ed is survived by his wife, Lori Boettcher of Donnelly; children: Cherrie (Craig Mast) Brecht of Osakis, Heidi (Brad) Wolbersen of Coon Rapids and Tim Boettcher of Donnelly; grandchildren: Whitney (Nate) Citrowske of Farwell, Jordon Brecht of Fridley, Brooklyn Brecht of Alexandria, Tony Brecht of Starbuck, Samantha Wolbersen of Coon Rapids, Savannah Wolbersen of Coon Rapids, Brandon Boettcher of Breckenridge, Megan Boettcher of Morris, and Liberty Haack Boettcher of Alexandria; 3 great-grandchildren: Katherine Elwood, Rowen Brecht, and Parker Citrowske; siblings: Michelle ‘Mickey’ (John) Hickman of Morris, Pam (Chuck) Rose of Brandon and Scott (Shannon) Boettcher of Barrett; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will forever cherish the memories of a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and loyal friend.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Carol; daughter, Brielle Boettcher; and son, Troy Boettcher. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Courage Cottage in Morris. This is a place that was near and dear to Ed’s heart.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of arrangements for Ed.