Loren Bruce Boettcher was born, July 1, 1960, in Sacramento, CA, to Bruce and June Boettcher, having traveled with his family in his younger years. The family moved to Haviland, KS, where he attended elementary school and most of high school. Moving to Washington State, he graduated from Bothel High School. Returning once more to Haviland, Loren attended Friends Bible College (now Barclay College), graduating with a degree in Bible/Christian Ed. He married Debbie Williamson on March 6, 1984, during spring break at the Haviland Friends Church. After graduating in 1984, they went on to Cabrini Green (inner city) Chicago, to do work with the local church and counsel the youth of the community.

In 1987 Loren and Debbie moved to Vale, SD to assist on the Williamson farm and continue his studies at BHSU, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Education. He served on the Butte Meade Water Board for a number of years, made time to visit and help neighbors, and enjoyed quality time with friends and family. He was honored to be a part of the loyal and caring community of Vale. Acquiring their own homestead in 2002, they continued farming until Loren's retirement in 2015.

Loren was an avid sportsman from boyhood. He played basketball, volleyball, soccer, hunted, and many more. At Friends Bible College, he played collegiate basketball and soccer. His classmates affectionately referred to him as "Leapin' Lo" on account of his incredible jumping ability. He coached both his sons' soccer teams and was driven to teach life lessons through sports. He took great pride watching his sons play and grow through life.

Loren is not the sum of these words; he is so much more to his family and friends. He will be remembered as he spends Eternity with our Lord in Heaven, until we meet again.

Loren, 55, Vale, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2016 at his home.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Debbie (Williamson) Boettcher; his two sons, Luke and Tyrel and daughter-in-law, Jamie (Nupen); granddaughter, Elaina; his mother, June; his three brothers, Dave and wife, Caroline, of North Fork, CA, Mike and his wife, Joan, of Dodge City, KS, and Larry and his wife, Ruth, of Newton KS; and the Williamson family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Boettcher.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 18, 2016, at Believers Fellowship Church in Sturgis.

A memorial has been established to the Children's Ministry in Burma, C/O Believers Fellowship Church, 180 Old Stone Road, Sturgis, SD 57785.