Michael L. Boettcher, 64, of Spread Eagle, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012, at his home. He was born January 21, 1948, in Waukegan, Ill., son of Eileen and the late Raymond Boettcher. Mike grew up in Ingleside, Ill., and attended school there and later attended Florence High School. Mike served in the United States Army being stationed in Korea from 1968 until being honorably discharged in 1970. On September 14, 1968, Mike married Jean Ashton in Rockford, Ill. They resided in Rockford until moving to Florence in 1980. He worked for Pride Manufacturing for many years and did many other welding jobs in the area. Mike enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, wine collecting, four-wheeling, watching the Green Bay Packers, boating, and vacationing on Marco Island. Mike loved spending time with his grandchildren and family and will be missed by his many friends. He is survived by his loving wife of forty-three years, Jean; three sons, Michael (Sandy) Boettcher, Florence, Jeff (Christy) Boettcher, Florence, Christopher (Rachelle Richardson) Boettcher, Niagara; mother, Eileen Vollink, Crown Point, Ind.; his best friend and brother, William (Glenda) Boettcher, Ottawa, Ill., two sisters, Kathy Boucher, Crown Point, Lisa (Rob) Hjertquist, Crown Point; seven grandchildren, Brittany, Danny, Braden, Zachary, Holly, Michelle, Mathew; grand-dog, Monte; many great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Raymond; stepfather, Kenneth Vollink; grandparents, Raymond and Lillian Boettcher and William and Irene Calhoun. The visitation will be Thursday, May 24, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence. The VFW Florence Post No. 3635 will offer a veterans memorial service 10:50 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday at the funeral home. Rev. Douglas Johnson will officiate. You may light a candle in remembrance of Mike or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, is serving the family.