Irene Mae Boettcher

Irene (Alfson) Boettcher, age 84 of Blue Earth died Sunday, January 12, 2014 at St.Luke''s Lutheran Care Center, Blue Earth. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 17, 2014 at St. Luke''s Lutheran Care Center with Rev. Wesley Hafner officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Blue Earth. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday at Patton Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Blue Earth and one hour prior to services at St. Luke''s. Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com Expressions of sympathy are preferred in the form of memorial donations to St. Paul Lutheran Church or St. Luke''s Lutheran Care Center of Blue Earth.Irene was born October 25, 1929 in Blue Earth the daughter of Melvin J. and Matilda O. (Graue) Alfson. She was raised in Frost, Nunda, South Dakota and Blue Earth. She was baptized, confirmed and later married to Donald V. Boettcher, on March 2, 1948, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth. Irene and Donald farmed the family farm East of Blue Earth all their married lives. Irene was active in all aspects of the farm and was well know for "Irene''s Lunch Wagon" that fed the workers. She was the proud mother of five children whom she cared for and supported without fail. She was a 4-H leader, Cub Scout Den Mother and played the role of Mrs. Santa Claus for the Blue Earth Chamber for many years. Irene was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and volunteered at St. Luke''s routinely. She enjoyed baking, holiday entertaining and teaching ceramics at her shop Marna Ceramics. She did all kinds of ceramics and craft work all her life. She enjoyed supporting the MN Twins, Vikings, Blue Earth Bucs and the patriotic 4th of July Celebrations she helped organize. Her greatest joy came from attending school and sporting events for her children and grandchildren and the many family gatherings through the years.Irene is survived by her son, John (Pat) Boettcher of Blue Earth, daughter, Paula (Allen) Nuessmeier of Blue Earth, sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, five grandchildren: Kara Ann Boettcher, Aaron, Joshua & Jon Nuessmeier & Dustin Goerndt and three great grandchildren, Elayna & John Gartner and Dayle Goerndt.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband-Donald in 2004, son-Dale, daughters, Mary & Janette Boettcher, grandson, J.J. Boettcher, brothers: Kermit, Roger, Elwood & Wayne Alfson, sister, Marlene Lubitz and an infant sister Ilene.