Daniel Boettge

Daniel Ambrose Boettge passed away peacefully with hopes of reuniting with his ‘beautiful wife’ on Sunday evening, January 29, 2023.

Dan was born on January 20, 1937, in Oshkosh, in a home he affectionally referred to as “the Shrine.” When in Oshkosh, a quick detour to pass by “the Shrine,” along with a drop-in to Hughes Chocolates for their superior meltaways was always a given.

On June 21, 1958, Dan married the love of his life, Lois Zienciak, with whom he’d share the next 63 years. They had three sons who were the light of their world: Richard “Ricky”, James “Jay” (Julie) and Dennis (Amy), along with grandchildren Daniel & Robert Livingston and Audra, Jillian and Danica Boettge.

Dan spent his life devoted to three of his favorite things – his family, making people laugh and enjoying a great meal! When their boys were young, vacations meant packing up the car and venturing to Wisconsin’s great Northwoods or many of our national parks, experiences that took them from coast to coast. Dan spent countless hours with his boys building and competing in Derby races, building models, teaching them to fish at Bay Beach, attending their sporting events and playing with their radio-controlled planes at a local airfield. Despite his 86 years, he never really grew up!

An opportunity for a prank was never passed up, especially when he was with his cousin Kenny, also known as “the Godfather!” When his young boys wanted to “catch Santa” on film during their attendance at a Midnight mass, Dan and a friend conspired to edit an 8mm showing the piling of gifts and special messages to the kids, carefully avoiding any sign of Old Saint Nick! Dan got a kick out of confounding the grandkids by secretly filling the ‘never-ending cookie jar’ and was able to recite every line of his favorite movie, “A Christmas Story.” One of his favorite memories was that of his two youngest boys covered from head to toe in blue industrial dye they found in the den, along with the subsequent trip to the ER!

Anyone who knew Dan understood that he was never happier than when he was able to enjoy a great meal or his favorite foods with family and friends! Don’t dare to give him a fruit or vegetable though! He and Lois enjoyed going to many of Wisconsin’s supper clubs, both locally and in their beloved Northwoods. He appreciated biscuits & gravy, a great steak, cheesy potatoes, barbeque ribs & wings, accompanied by either a Bud Light, a Straw-ber-rita or a classic Old-Fashioned. Don’t forget dessert – Key Lime Pie from Key West or lemon meringue pie made by his mother-in-law many years ago – these were fondly remembered!

All in all, Dad enjoyed a spectacular life and we, as his boys, are proud and honored to have been his sons! Mom, sorry, we kept him here as long as we could – he’s all yours again!

Dan was preceded in death by his wife Lois, son Ricky, his parents and several siblings. Following the unexpected death of his eldest (Ricky), and the loss of his wife just a little over a year ago, Dan was both heartbroken and looking forward to the day they could all be together again.

The family wishes to thank Unity Hospice and the outstanding staff at the Meng Hospice Residence for their loving care of Dan in his final weeks, along with Cotter Funeral Home for their assistance with final arrangements. A private memorial service for the family is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Unity Hospice’s Meng Residence in Daniel’s name.