Harriet Jeanne Boettcher, age 83, formerly of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022, at Our House in Wisconsin Rapids.  She was born on February 20, 1939, to the late William and Leona (Hass) Degner in Merrill.  Harriet attended and graduated from Merrill High School.  She met the love of her life, James Allen Boettcher, and the two lovingly exchanged marriage vows on August 24, 1957, in Lindstrom, Minnesota.  Sadly, James passed away on January 3, 2013. Harriet was employed as a secretary for the City Engineer of Merrill.  She enjoyed going camping with her family, as well as spending time at their lake cabin on Pelican Lake, a place she loved going to for peace and quiet.  Family was first and foremost in Harriet’s life and she cherished her time spent with them.  She was very active in her community, whether it was volunteering at the blood bank or hospital gift shop, or actively participating and supporting the Merrill Lions Club and the Merrill Concert Association.  Harriet also enjoyed being a part of the Red Hat Society and various bridge clubs.  She was a lifelong member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill.  Harriet will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Harriet leaves behind her children: Gregory (Joan) Boettcher of Gold Canyon, AZ, Bradley (Amy) Boettcher of Wisconsin Rapids and Pamela (Daniel) Dahm of Tualatin, OR, grandchildren: Jaclyn (Chris) Moore, Stephan (Emily) Boettcher, Eric Boettcher, Jacob (Breona) Dahm, Peter (Dana) Boettcher, Jeremy (Jackie) Dahm and Cameron Dahm and 9 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: James and sister: Phyllis (Jerry) Kontney.

A memorial service for Harriet will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill.  Pastor Adam Rodriguez will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, from 10am until the time of the service, also at the church.  Inurnment at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harriet’s name may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, Wisconsin Chapter, Wausau Office at 505 South 24^th Avenue, Suite 304, Wausau, WI 54401. A special thank you to the staff at Our House in Wisconsin Rapids for their care and compassion shown towards Harriet and her family, as well as Promedica Hospice for their support in her final days. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.