Dorothy Ann Boettcher

Dorothy Ann (Wagner) Boettcher, 92, of East Lansing,MI; formerly of St. Joseph, MI passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 12, 2021at her home.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M.,Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and CremationService, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor John Duerr officiating.  Friends may visit from 10:30 A.M. until thetime of service on Saturday. Those wishing to share a memory of Dorothy onlinemay do so at http://www.starks-menchinger.com/" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">www.starks-menchinger.com

 Dorothy was born August 25, 1929 in St. Joseph, MI to Bernice(Lundgren) and Ira Wagner.  She was a graduateof St. Joseph High School, class of 1947.   A naturally gifted musician from a very earlyage, she continued her professional training at Grinnell College, majoring in Music,and graduating in 1951.  She exceled inpiano, flute, and voice - exhibiting those skills through musical tours andlocal performances throughout those years.  On July 21, 1951 she married Alvin Boettcher in the First CongregationalChurch of St. Joseph, and the young newlyweds moved to Lansing, MI, where Dorothybegan to teach music in the Lansing school system, as well as piano lessons inthe home.  She raised three children, andreceived her Master of Education degree from Michigan State University, andtaught 5^th grade in the East Lansing School System for 20 years.  Retirement was filled with continued participationin The Peoples Church choir, and chorale groups, to whom she lent her powerful sopranovoice.  Frequent European vacations withAlvin, and their relatives or good friends were also a favorite pastime.   A skilled seamstress, Dorothy enjoyed makingHalloween costumes, bathrobes, doll clothes, and blankets for her grandchildrenalong with curtains, clothing, and household décor items for family and friends.

Dorothy also exceled as a cook, and especially as a skilledbaker.   Her pies, and wide array of cookievarieties were legendary, as all children, grandchildren and relatives wouldattest.  Nothing made Dorothy happierthan to gather family & friends, and to then provide fulfillment to nourishthat group in attendance.

 Dorothy is survived by daughter Virginia (Rex)Tefertiller of Lansing, MI, sons Jack (Alyssa) Boettcher of Centennial, CO andJeff (Lisa) Boettcher of Rocky River, OH; grandchildren Hannah (Chris) Medved andgreat grandchildren Porter and McKinley of Sheridan, WY; Keelan of Boston, MA, Lilyof Golden, CO, Ryan and Jaret of Rocky River, OH and sister Nancy (Wagner)Burandt of Sterling Heights, MI.  

 Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving husbandAlvin, and parents Bernice (Lundgren) and Ira Wagner.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift in Dorothy’smemory be made to a charity of one’s own choice.