Lester E. Boettcher

Lester E. Boettcher, age 91, of Palmyra, MO passed away at 10:20 pm Thursday, February 29, 2024, at his home.  

Per Mr. Boettcher's request there will be no formal services held.  A small family celebration will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel of Hannibal.

Lester was born on February 1, 1933, in rural Palmyra the son of Ervin and Lorene (Lehenbauer) Boettcher.

He was united in marriage to Roberta Crane on June 10, 1955, in Palmyra.  She survives him.

Other survivors include his children, Rodney Boettcher of Palmyra, Randal Boettcher of Palmyra, Michelle "Shelly" Lehenbauer (Ronald) of Hannibal and Kim Boettcher-Vasquez (Richard) of Sun City, AZ; brothers, James Boettcher and Archie Boettcher; grandchildren, Mark Lehenbauer (Amy) and their children, Kye, Tyne, Emery and Croy; Lesley Meier (Greg) and their children, Tyler and Kara, and Andrew Lehenbauer (Jessica) and their children, Heidi, Lucy and Ree.

Mr. Boettcher was preceded in death by his parents.

After high school, Mr. Boettcher went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Army.

Lester worked at CF Industries as an ammonia terminal operator and in the farming and trucking business.  He started his own trucking business, Boettcher Transportation in 1983.

Lester enjoyed trucking, farming, traveling, gambling and a good dance.  In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating.  Mr. Boettcher was a member of the Boots-Dickson American Legion Post 174, past member of Palmyra Jaycees and Young Farmers and the Moose Lodge.  He also supported 4-H and FFA activities.  Most of all Lester loved the time spent with his family.

Mr. Boettcher was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he served as a usher for many years.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Boots-Dickson American Legion Post 174, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family on Lester's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com  

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