Richard F. "Rick" Boettner

Richard F. “Rick” Boettner, 76, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, played his final round and passed away on October 19, 2026. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, service, and professional mentorship.

Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on January 25, 1950, to the late Fritz and Mary Lu Boettner, Rick received a world-class foundation in discipline and theology at St. Lawrence Seminary High School in Mount Calvary, followed by St. Francis de Sales College Seminary in Milwaukee, graduating in 1972. While his career path pivoted from the pulpit to the boardroom, his seminary roots remained evident in how he conducted his life: with quiet humility, deep integrity, and an enduring desire to serve.

Rick spent 54 years in the insurance industry, working with relentless energy and sharp intellect right up to his final day. Armed with a number of distinguished credentials, CPCU, CIC, ARM, and ASLI, he was widely recognized as an expert in commercial risk knowledge. Yet for Rick, the work was never about the letters behind his name, it was about the people. He was a patient, generous mentor who took immense pride in coaching the next generation of professionals, teaching not just how to assess risk, but how to treat clients with respect.

Rick had a deep Catholic faith. For 38 years, he was a member of St. Jerome Parish, serving as an adult altar server, lector, and Eucharistic minister. His dedication to volunteering was profound. Whether coaching his kids’ sports teams, serving through the Knights of Columbus, or quietly assisting hundreds of families through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Rick answered the call to help whenever needed.

When not working or serving, Rick could reliably be found tracking a golf ball down a fairway, or explaining why a bad bounce was clearly the fault of the course architect. Golf was his greatest sporting passion, second only to the lively camaraderie of his regular golf buddies. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, a fierce competitor on the handball court, and an adventurous traveler. Above all, Rick cherished time with his grandchildren, whether schooling them in cards and board games or sharing tips on the putting green.

For 52 wonderful years, Rick was married to the love of his life and favorite travel partner, Mary. Together, they built a home anchored in devotion and laughter.

Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his son, Adam (Carrie) Boettner; his daughter, Sara Boettner; his four adoring grandchildren, Angelina (20), Zachary (17), Madeline (15), Fiona (12); and his three brothers, Mark (Karen) Boettner, Phil (Jerilyn) Boettner, and Jeff (Jean) Boettner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Mary Lu.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc (2228 N. Silver Maple Ln, Oconomowoc, WI 53066). Additional visitation will take place Wednesday, October 28, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Jerome Catholic Parish (995 S. Silver Lake St., Oconomowoc WI 53066), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM and a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Jerome Parish.