Howard "Howie" "HB" Lee Boettcher, age 71 of Taylor,  died on Saturday, April 26, 2025 in the Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse surrounded by family.

Howard was born on March 7, 1954 in Minneapolis, MN to Donald and Joan (Schrier) Boettcher.

Howard attended grade school in the Alma Center School District through eighth grade.  After his father's passing, his mother remarried Gordon Simonson in 1968 and the family moved to Taylor where he attended high school and graduated in 1972.  After graduation, he was actively involved in the Taylor Rod & Gun Club, the Taylor Fire Department, the Taylor FFA alumni and was the Grand Marshal for the Taylor Old Fashioned Days parade.

Howard bartended for the local bars, worked at P&S Farm Supply, Ashley Furniture and then he became a truck driver which included haling milk and semi driving for Millis Transfer, Greenleaf Trucking and Bill & Sam McNulty Farms & Trucking of Black River Falls for the last 16 years up until the time of his stroke in March of 2019.

Howard was always willing to help friends, family and neighbors whenever and wherever needed.  He was an avid fan of old western movies, old classic country music, playing cards and watching the Packers.

Howard is survived by his two children, Jeryd (friend, Brandi Smith) Waldera and Janessa (friend, Dakkota Jester) Waldera both of Black River Falls; seven grandchildren, Cooper, Zaihlynn, Riley, Daxton, Damon, Graysyn and Hunter; nine nieces and nephews, Scott, Troy, Lisa, Kathy, Lisa, Lori, Stacy, Shelly and Shelby; several grandnieces and grandnephews; two sisters, Judy (Paul) Olson and Robin (J.R.) Sanders both of rural Taylor and a special friend, Octavia Bue of Taylor.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by a brother, Richard; his step-father, Gordon Simonson; a niece, Nicky Boettcher; a brother-in-law, Bill Kneifl and two nephews, David and Andy Kneifl.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Taylor Community Center in Taylor with Pastor Elden Simonson officiating.  A  celebration of life will follow from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Taylor Fire & Rescue or the Woodlawn Cemetery Association C/O Judy Olson, W157766 West Jackson Road, Taylor, WI  54639.