Obituaries

Gayler Boettcher

Gayler Boettcher, 79, Bradenton, died June 25, 2012.

Born in St. Louis, MO, he moved to Bradenton in 1993 from Bloomington, IL.

Son of Rev. George J. and Hazel Boettcher, he graduated from Danville High School, Danville, IL, then graduated with a BS in 1954 and a MS in 1957 from Illinois State (Normal) University, he was a Veteran of the US Army during Korea from 1954-1956, he taught and was a High School administrator from 1957-1960. He worked for State Farm Insurance for 37 years, retiring in 1992, and was Director of Services, Corporate Headquarters, Bloomington, IL for 20 years.

He was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Bloomington, IL for 22 years, and was a Trustee and an Elder, then became a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, Bradenton in 1993. He was a Choir Member, Chairman of the Trustees, Chairman of the Trinity Endowment Fund, and member and Moderator of the Governing Board. He was president of Golby-Reasoner chapter of the American Hibiscus Society, was the editor of Petal Power, and was the chairman of the Annual Hibiscus Show.

He loved gardening, carpentry, cabinetmaking, music, reading, and writing.

Predeceased by parents, Rev. George J. and Hazel Boettcher; survived by his wife, Shirley whom he married on December 29, 2007, of Bradenton, FL; son, Steve (Tina)  Boettcher of Bloomington, IL; step-sons, Dean White of Bradenton, FL, Scott (Karen) White of Pittsburgh, PA; daughter, Samantha (Dustin) Wehrung of Fort Mill, SC; step-daughter, Lisa Scabilloni of Pittsburgh, PA; 10 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren.

Visitation 6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday June 29, 2012 at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207.

Services 11:00 A.M. at Congregational United Church of Christ 3700 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations to  the Congregational United Church of Christ.

Condolences www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.