Fern Loraine Boetcher

“I did it my way.” While the words belong to Frank Sinatra, they apply to the way our mother and grandmother lived her life right up to the end. Fern Loraine Boetcher, age 89, of Eau Claire, died Friday, February 2, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire surrounded by family. She was born the eldest of four children on October 11, 1928 to Robert and Dorothy (Lake) Weeks. After graduating from Barron High School in 1946 as an excellent student and having experienced the finest that education could provide, Fern moved to Eau Claire to work as a secretary at what is now National Presto Industries. One evening while at the Idlewild Ballroom, she met the love of her life, Charles David Boetcher, when he had the audacity to take the seat that she had vacated to use the bathroom. The less-than-pleasant meeting resulted in a romance, a wedding in 1949, and three children. After taking a hiatus to raise her children, she returned to National Presto Industries for a short time and then found employment at UW-Eau Claire as an administrative secretary. It was not only an occupation but a way of life for her because it was there at the university that she exercised both her mind and body and gained many friendships. She often commented on how fortunate she was to have had the opportunity to work at the university for over 20 years. Traveling to Hawaii and other sites of worldly interest, volunteering at Mayo Clinic, participating in Our Redeemer functions, and dining with friends were integral parts of Fern’s life. Known for her spunk and vitality, Fern will be dearly missed by her children, Kristine (Dayle) Sell of Augusta, Cindy (Bill) Shipman of Eau Claire, and Steven (Dorie) Boetcher of Eau Claire. In addition, she leaves behind seven grandchildren, Sean (Kari) Shipman, Lance (Audrey) Shipman, Jordan (Sam Tomsen) Sell, Travis Shipman, Lindsay (Scott) Thalacker, Courtney (Jessica Tallman) Sell, and Ashley (Eric) Collins; great grandchildren, Jordyn Bowe; Kennedy Sell; Kayla Borton; Zachary, Hailey, and Isabel Shipman; and Elise Thalacker. She is further survived by brothers Ralph Weeks of Cotton, MN, and Bruce Weeks of Park Rapids, MN. Fern was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jean Jones; and step-father, Nick Schneider. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 Fall St, Eau Claire, with Pastor Jeff Carlson and Pastor Carlton Kangas officiating. Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, and an hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. “And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn. Make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand.” Michael Joncas. Fern is now in the palm of His hand with Charles David, her love. For online condolences, visit www.lenmarkfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery
1500 Buffington Drive
Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Tuesday, February 6 2018
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
601 Fall Street
Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Wednesday, February 7 2018
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
601 Fall Street
Eau Claire WI 54703

Funeral Service

Wednesday, February 7 2018
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
601 Fall Street
Eau Claire WI 54703