Funeral Services for Martin Boettcher, age 73, of Spencer will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spencer.  Burial will follow in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, north of Spencer with Military Rites provided by the Spencer American Legion Luther Whidden Post 78.  Rev. John Nelson will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Monday, March 24, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in Spencer with a 6 pm Prayer Service.    Martin passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.  Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in Spencer.

Martin Edward Boettcher was born on December 11, 1951 at Lynch, Nebraska to Herbert and Lorene (Kaczor) Boettcher.  Martin grew up on the Boettcher homestead, north of Spencer.  He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spencer.  He has been ready to be with Jesus since he was 8 years old.  He attended country school though the 6th Grade, then went to Spencer High School.  Martin enjoyed playing football, excelled at math, and was one of the first in his class to embrace the Hippy Culture, growing his hair long.  He graduated in 1970.

After Graduation, Martin realized he was in one of the early groups to get drafted, so he enlisted into the U.S. Air Force.  He went through Basic in Texas, then spent one and a half years in Biloxi, Mississippi.  He was then transferred overseas to U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield in Thailand, where he served 2 Tours of Duty with the RED HORSE Engineers.  After he was Honorably Discharged in February of 1974, Martin returned to the Spencer Area to continue farming.

Martin met Connie Bouza on a dare and after their first date, asked her to marry him.  Unfortunately, she turned him down, but soon she relented, and the couple were married on August 9, 1975 in Geddes, South Dakota.  They were blessed to share their lives with their children, Jessica, Nicholas, and Shauna.  They made their home on a farm north of Spencer for several years, until they moved to the Boettcher Homestead in August of 1987.  Later, Martin began to work for the Farmers Elevator in Spencer until his health deteriorated to the point he couldn't farm or work anymore.

Martin's greatest passions in life were first God, wife, children, grandchildren, country, and cat fishing.  He taught all of his children and grandchildren to fish and he always felt honored to have that privilege in life.  He also enjoyed gardening and playing the card game, Tarok.  He also was an avid fan of the Huskers, Vikings, and Twins.  Martin was a member of the Spencer American Legion Luther Whidden Post 78 and a very active member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, including being the Church President for several years.

Martin is survived by his wife of 49 years, Connie Boettcher of Spencer; three children, Jessica (Raymond) Birk of Spencer, Nicholas (Abbigail) Boettcher of Omaha, Shauna Boettcher of O'Neill; seven grandchildren, Mathias Boettcher, Gabriella (Raziel Rinke) Boettcher, Nathaniel Boettcher, Bethany Birk, Jacob Birk, Corbin Boettcher, Leila Boettcher; three siblings, Ted (Karen) Boettcher of Wichita, Kansas, Dr. Charles (Julie) Boettcher of North Platte, Betty (Phil) Archuletta of Gladstone, Missouri; many nieces and nephews.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved dog, Sam.