Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: motogoro on October 13, 2021, 03:24:51 PM
-
Joe Walano posted this to MGNOC FB group
"I just received a phone call informing me that John Boettcher was involved in a motorcycle accident last Friday and is not expected to survive. Apparently he hit a deer and sustained serious head injuries. I will post more information as I get it."
(https://i.ibb.co/9cnBT5H/245059654-10159564876358607-1056444172178152305-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9cnBT5H)
upload images and get url (https://imgbb.com/)
I am very sad to post this. JB has been a legend in Guzzi community since the '90s
-
Wow..He was definitely a legend.
-
here's hoping JB pulls through
I first met JB at Guzzi Steve's house in Kingston, IL shortly after JB had returned from an epic round trip to Alaska.
Steve was telling me this fantastic story about this new Guzzi rider who had just finished his trip to Alaska on an 850T. Shortly after that JB pulled up on his 850T with a lady friend astride a silk pillow for a pillion.
-
Thats bad news. :sad:
-
Hate to hear about that. Definitely one of the good guys,I bought my Norge from him
-
Jeez I hate it when it’s close to home like this.. To see a face and a name elevates the whole thing from a mere statistic.
It’s the reality of what we do... :sad:
-
:cry:
-
Damn!
-
Major bummer!
-
Noooo
-
Shortly after that JB pulled up on his 850T with a lady friend astride a silk pillow for a pillion.
In 2009 he was providing a better pillion......
(https://i.ibb.co/JBxqYGh/JB.png) (https://ibb.co/JBxqYGh)
-
Bad deal. Thanks for keeping us informed. Here's hoping for a full recovery. I always like JB.
-
Prayers for him and his family
-
Just saw this on FB and sad to hear. Hope and prayers that he is OK..
Mark
-
Let’s all keep our our fellow MGC member and his family in our thoughts and prayers, or in our own special way.
Dan
-
Back in the day, JB made a special trip to MGCycle just to meet up. He stopped in to the Wisconsin rally this year, sts for a few minutes, and was gone again.
Hang in there, John.. :cry: head injuries are the worst.
Effin bambis..
-
JB is made of the good stuff. He is the kind of guy the world needs desperately, a whole lot more of. Feeling very, very sad.
-
JB is made of the good stuff. He is the kind of guy the world needs desperately, a whole lot more of. Feeling very, very sad.
Well stated Chad, thank you. Prayers inbound for John and his family.
-
Hoping for the best, John.
-
Very sad news indeed...Prayers and positive thoughts going out to JB and his family.. :sad: :sad:
-
That sucks. Fingers crossed for a recovery.
-
Damn, so sorry to hear that. As much as he rode I am afraid the deer percentages finally caught up.
GliderJohn
-
I’m in a state of shock. We all send him good thoughts
-
That's terrible news. I had JB over at the house once- good guy. Always on the move. Good thoughts for him.
-
A real shame. He was the first person I spoke with here - I think it was about a Breva he was selling. Clearly a guy who loved to ride and contribute to the community.
-
Ditto to everything said - a super kind and generous man.
-
Sad news. Best wishes for a full recovery.
Damn deer.
-
Tragic. I never met the man, but from his posts on WG, I feel as though I know him.
Rich A
-
Hoping for the best.
-
Damn.
-
John is a person whom I never met but who extended a kindness to me about 10 years ago. I was converting my '04 Stone Touring to dual front brakes and asked on Swap Meet if anyone could sell me a Brembo "Gold" 4 piston caliper. Comes a PM from John that he as a good one, needing nothing, free if I'll pay a few bucks for postage. The caliper was indeed in need of nothing and John and I never crossed paths, even by PMs (except a sincere thanks for the caliper) after that.
I continued to read with interest all of John's sometimes Herculean rides and other noteworthy doings.
I hope so much that John pulls through. Could happen, I keep telling myself.
Went out on my '04 Breva today and in less than a mile I counted 16 deer. They are especially common along this short stretch near my rural home, as the neighbors feed them. Heaven help me.
God, Please help John. We need him to recover and to be with us for many more years.
Ralph
-
I met JB only once, but followed his many exploits here. A motorcyclist's motorcyclist. I hope for his full recovery.
-
Ugh. Prayers for JB and his family. Everyone ride safe.
-
This is a shame. A nice guy who really knew how to handle a motorcycle. "There but by the grace of God go I" (and all of us). I really hope the news is premature and things are not as grave as thought. This is just so sad, he was posting some art his daughter made for him just a few days ago. I have such thoughts for his family.
Wear your gear folks, no matter how skillful you are on the bike.
-
Let's hope that he pulls through.
Best wishes to him and his family.
-Stretch
-
A lot of interesting stories.
http://www.johnboettcher.com/
-
I sure hope he maks a complete recovery. He's exceptionally strong.
-
Guess the article answered my question. Damn deer.
GliderJohn
-
A Facebook post mentions his passing...... RIP :cry:
-
Thanks, JU. RIP JB.. :sad:
-
This is very sad news. I can’t say I knew him well, he just moved too fast. He rode some 700 miles to my house one time to pick up a bike I was selling for a friend. Wouldn't stay for lunch, only a glass of water then took off for the trip back home. Quite a man.
Pete
-
Wow that is just terrible. Sad news, this guy was a Guzzisti in the greatest sense of the term.
-
This is very sad news. I can’t say I knew him well, he just moved too fast. He rode some 700 miles to my house one time to pick up a bike I was selling for a friend. Wouldn't stay for lunch, only a glass of water then took off for the trip back home. Quite a man.
Pete
I've known JB since the days when Cheesehead and Gordon's MG Cycle was just getting off the ground. I'd taken a 6 pack and we were just sitting around after closing when JB came up, introduced himself and said, "I heard you were here.. just wanted to stop by and say hi."
He stopped by at the Wisconsin rally last summer riding his new Ronald McDonald with "patented" wind screen. :smiley:
(https://static.imgzeit.com/reduced/1164692588816523/IMG_20210731_104755992_HDR.jpg)
Shot the breeze for a few minutes, caught up on what we'd been doing.. and as always.. was gone.
Ride on, John..
-
Thanks, JU. RIP JB.. :sad:
R.I.P. JB...and Godspeed...
(https://i.ibb.co/ZxqNK2g/Screen-Shot-2021-10-14-at-6-10-53-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/ZxqNK2g)
-
This report seems like it must be JB's accident, given some of the details, but I don't know that it is.
https://patch.com/illinois/crystallake/good-samaritan-helps-critically-injured-motorcyclist-after-crash-deer
(https://patch.com/illinois/crystallake/good-samaritan-helps-critically-injured-motorcyclist-after-crash-deer)
tragic.. we only met a few times but I felt I could call him a good friend.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/MfSr5nY/JB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MfSr5nY)
6 sided die (https://freeonlinedice.com/)
RIP JB, we never actually met, but I did overhear him speaking at the VA National a few years back. He was obviously respected in the community.
-
Very sad news...RIP!
-
Sincerest condolences to his Family and Friends, R.I.P.
-
I only met John one time, when he came to Portland for Heat Treating work. He made it to one of our Oregon Guzzi Club Breakfast's during that visit, and we did one of my favorite rides in Southwest Washington, (The Klickatat Loop). RIP JB!!!
-
Very sorry to hear this. RIP JB.
-
Terrible news indeed; we only met briefly a couple times but enjoyed the visits!!
RIP John and god speed????
-
Wow, that is a shock to the system.
J.B's exploits rank him in the "legend" category. Sad news indeed.
-
It was uncanny how JB seemed to be everywhere at almost the same time. Running into him was always something to look forward to. I sold him my 2003 EVT about 10 years ago. We live pretty close. As solid of a dude there ever was, and a Guzzi rider that may never be out done.
-
Rest in Peace, JB.
-
I think I first met JB at the Wisconsin Guzzi rally,he was on the raT-3 which the more you looked,the more cool stuff you saw! It was after the good cheese came out later that night when we got to talking about the M2M ride he had participated in. This was a completely illegal real road race from Milwaukee to Minneapolis starting at the Fuel Cafe to Bob’s Java Hut. He mentioned cresting a hill at a buck-ten,only to meet a police officer coming toward him,not sure how he got out of that… I can’t say for sure but I think he was first at least once! His knowledge of Guzzi and wrenching abilities was 2nd to none!!! Ride on JB…
-
Only new him from here at Wildgoose, but man, those pics of him with that funky windscreen full of holes, heeled over and slaying "the Dragon" ? CLASSIC.
R.I.P.
-
Very sad news, indeed.
I always enjoyed his adventures. R.I.P.😪😪
-
RIP , JB
Very Sad.
-
A motorcyclist life well lived. Condolences to the Boettcher Family.
Rest In Peace, JB
Paul B :boozing:
-
My condolences to his family. He was a rare man who will be missed.
Moto
-
As many have already said, a shock. :cry:
I only met JB once in "real life," when he joined a group ride at the Georgia campout 10 or so years ago.
I "knew" him better through his numerous posts here about his travels all over the U.S. on his Guzzis and in rentals overseas.
It was clear to me that he led a full life. He was way too young to leave, and we are all less for his loss.
Kathi will keep JB, his family, and all whom he loved and who loved him in our prayers.
Bill
-
One of a kind!
I hope they have internal combustion wherever you are now, JB :thumb:
-
I would like to offer my condolences to Johns family and to the many Guzzi family members here who had the pleasure to meet John during his many Guzzi travels .
In my case John was traveling in Connecticut (2008 ?) and was coming down a exit ramp in Stratford Ct. and went down and broke a front brake line and was looking for help . I contacted Iron Mike (yes that Iron Mike ) and informed him and see if he could assist, Mike worked in the area.
I get a call from Iron Mike that he was on his way and met up with him at his motel room, it was near the exit ramp.
Mike calls me to see if I had what was needed , It was a crap shoot as John was on his modified T with a EV engine ,well between Mike and myself the parts were found but John needed to get back to Illinois , I picked John up the next day to get his flight home he sure was grateful for the effort.
The T was left at Iron Mikes house in Bridgeport Ct. and John drove his van back the following week to retrieve his bike and in the process, John bought a Convert from Mike stripped what he wanted and said keep it for yourself. "What a Guy".
Chuck Peterson was also involved so I'll say this we had a great time and John was more than happy.
I have some of the parts from the Convert bought from Mike on my Convert now and this weekend I'll do a sort of memorial ride in Johns memory with the parts that John donated.
Again I offer my condolences to Johns family, and to his Guzzi family here on this board.
TOMB
Tom Bailey
-
Very sad.
Shared a few beers and wings with him while he was working at Sikorsky’s. Interesting and fun guy to be with.
RIP
-
Dang it. This stinks. Now I wish I'd have taken a photo when we had lunch in NWA not too awful long ago when he was in town. He made it a point to hand deliver a board donation and buy my lunch. Great guy that will be missed.
Take photos fellas. You just never know...
RIP JB
-
Dang it. This stinks. Now I wish I'd have taken a photo when we had lunch in NWA not too awful long ago when he was in town. He made it a point to hand deliver a board donation and buy my lunch. Great guy that will be missed.
Take photos fellas. You just never know...
RIP JB
(https://i.ibb.co/MVvFCCJ/luap.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MVvFCCJ)
I got my picture of you buddy :grin:
-
My condolences to his family and for all of you who knew John . He will be sadly missed from my little corner of WG as his adventures and posts have always been inspirational . What a sad end to this riding season here. I hope collectively we can come up with a way to honor his contributions here and keep his presence permanent on WG. This sucks.
-
:gotpics:
2008 in MN
(https://i.ibb.co/d7KmFtx/IMGP4153.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d7KmFtx)
(https://i.ibb.co/nBS6zF7/IMGP4162.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nBS6zF7)
(https://i.ibb.co/GtbgYj7/IMGP4171.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GtbgYj7)
-
A man with a legacy. Let us not forget the stories, and I hope his family and loved ones can heal with more smiles and frowns.
-
JB was heading for a gig nearby and stopped in to say hello on a Sunday back in 2009... I am saddened by his untimely passing, such a great fellow.
Rest In Peace kind sir.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/L6i6QM.jpg)
Riding one of his late model engine Guzzis in an early frame...
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/3mFPWk.jpg)
And the modified tank, one of a long list of enlarged tanks that he was forever making to increase the fuel capacity and mileage on his Guzzis. :grin:
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/l9NBlh.jpg)
-
Very sorry to hear that John has passed. Seen a posting on FB yesterday that he had hit a deer. Was hoping for the best, but it wasn't to be. I first met JB in the late 80s, early 90s at the Wisconsin Guzzi Rally at Eagle Cave (?). Would bump in to him from time to time here in the midwest. Got to see JB at Joe Walano's open house in North Chicago this past summer. His passing is a great loss to his family friends, and the motorcycle community in general.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/MVvFCCJ/luap.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MVvFCCJ)
I got my picture of you buddy :grin:
That was a long time ago. I don't ride anywhere near that crazy anymore...oh wait. :evil:
-
JB was heading for a gig nearby and stopped in to say hello on a Sunday back in 2009... I am saddened by his untimely passing, such a great fellow.
Rest In Peace kind sir.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/L6i6QM.jpg)
As sad as it to read of someone passing away under those circumstances, that does look like a face that enjoyed life, made the most of it and passed it on.
R.I.P Mr B.
-
As a side note:
John needed a early rear diff as the one he was using was not letting the computer function correctly , so the rear diff in the picture is the one he purchased from me. It was from an Eldo.
The diff was geared lower so John tricked the computer by changing the rear diff.
The original diff on a T had the extended sump so it bolted up easily, Not sure what he took off but knowing how resourceful John was it fixed his problem
(https://i.ibb.co/V2HCMgY/rat-guzzi-t.jpg) (https://ibb.co/V2HCMgY)
TOMB
Tom Bailey
-
Ten or more years ago I bought a wheel and some other stuff from John, he rode by and delivered it. Recently I’ve thought of him and was hoping he would stop by. No words.
-
What a bummer, JB was my hero.
I never met him but we would exchange messages now and then.
-
Sad news. I count myself lucky to have met him at a rally years ago and had a nice chat with him. Great guy. RIP John.
-
Since no one has asked---
If there is an obituary notice or family address available please post it here I would like to send a card.
Thanks
TOMB
Tom Bailey
tbabs1946@gmail.com
-
This is the saddest thing you will see today. https://i3g3v3x7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/FBOqiIIXEAEllRW-scaled.jpg (https://i3g3v3x7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/FBOqiIIXEAEllRW-scaled.jpg) Where ever John is now, I hope they have a good supply of Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce. Ride on, Ratguzzi!
Could we find that screen?
-
A TRAGEDY , RIP JB
I never met the man but enjoyed his posts and bikes, I got the feeling he was one of the very few on the internet (as in real life) I could travel with, the parting line comes to mind of when intentions or circumstances stipulate one of you deviates from the route, as has happened
See you there, mate
As I don’t have photos of him, the only appropriate one to post is my job of day, how to marry Nevada forks to a loopy (spacer in bottom yoke, tubular nut for the top one) If he hasn’t already done this I think he would’ve if the forks were a gift, as they were to me.
(https://i.ibb.co/vHZqxjW/E54-C96-C7-2959-4-AE1-B8-D8-995-EC679231-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vHZqxjW)
free image hosting (https://imgbb.com/)
-
My condolences to his family and friends.
Sounds like he was a great guy.
-Stretch
-
Our paths crossed at Mid-Ohio Vintage Days many many years ago, he melted into the crowd and was gone before we knew it. Very sad to hear, my condolences to his family and friends.
-
Condolences to his family, so sad to hear.
RIP JB
Bruce
-
He lived life to the fullest!. JB and I go back decades with him being at my place many times and me at his in Wonder Lake, IL
It would take a day to tell of some of JB's life. Here are a few.
1. Some cringed when he bragged about buying his half helmet at a yard sale for $10.
2. I'm at his home in Wonder Lake when at 8AM he starts putting in new piston etc on an old bike. "Tex dig around in the gravel drive way and see if you can find another valve cover screw." I found one. He torqued the heads down without a torque wrench as he said he had his arm calibrated. Two hours and the bike is running.
3. An impressive ride is when he went to Pikes Peak (but the road was closed) in Jan. Temps in the teens on his way back to Wonder Lake.
4. We are at a red light with both of our Guzzis showing well over 100K. He said both bikes sure idle good with out blipping the throttle.
5. Two months ago he is here at the Oleo Ranch on his old bike. Another welcome visit and he left only to call me twenty minutes later that his bike broke down. I went out on a barely used road and picked him up. He put the bike on my old trailer and just layed it over on its side. We came back to my house and I dropped the trailer and bike and then took him 100 miles to Plano where he had his Jeep and trailer
He slightly irritated me when we stopped for gas and he beat me to the pump with his credit card.(You don't pay me for helping you out.) He came out the next day with the Jeep and trailer for the Guzzi. I never thought that would be the last time I'd see him.
I could go on and on about things we did. RIP
Tex
Would someone please post an address for his daughter or the family so I can send a sympathy card.
-
If there is an obituary notice or family address available please post it here I would like to send a card.
He lived life to the fullest!.
Would someone please post an address for his daughter or the family so I can send a sympathy card.
Please do. I would like to let John's family know that he had true friends that we will miss him.
Rob
-
From Joe Walano this morning
"According to John's daughter's post, visitation will be at Justen Funeral home in McHenry on Sunday October 24th from 1 to 3. She is also planning a celebration of life at a later date."
as of 8:48 UTC-5 there was no obituary listed on the Justen Funeral Home website.
I will post it when I see it
-
Looks like cards and such can be sent to the family
Family of John Boettcher
Care Of: Justen Funeral Home
3700 Charles J Miller Memorial Hwy
McHenry, IL 60050
-
He'll be missed, one cool cat. " You can pry his dead cold hands off the bars now!" He went out like he thought he would.
I helped him get going on the Guzzi thing, he really took off with it which doesn't happen often. That was around 97, last saw him at Riders Hill around 2012. He had no idea I worked there, was a good meet-up.
-
Rest In Peace JB :bike-037:
-
Well - I knew John and we had exchanged parts over the years. He was always pleasant and was a great asset to the Guzzi community.
His Facebook page chronicles his recent trip for work to Poland. some great photos, and it seems surreal to read posts from John just a few days old and now he is gone.
RIP John.
-
This is the saddest thing you will see today. https://i3g3v3x7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/FBOqiIIXEAEllRW-scaled.jpg (https://i3g3v3x7.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/FBOqiIIXEAEllRW-scaled.jpg) Where ever John is now, I hope they have a good supply of Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce. Ride on, Ratguzzi!
WOW, GRIPPING PHOTO :cry:
-
John could really ride. His high-energy love of life was wonderful, and contagious.
---Al
-
Like Steve said, and I heard him say several times, when it comes his time to go, that's pretty much how he wanted to go. We all just wish it wasn't so dam soon.
-
***MG Members***
It’s a good time for all of us to offer our condolences and mentions of the times and adventures we had with JB.
However it’s really not the time and place for discussion about the pros and cons of riding equipment or riding techniques or habits.
Let’s use this time to remember the laughter and joys we spend with our friend and fellow WG family member.
Thanks MG family.
Dan
-
wow, never met the guy, but loved his posts and his bikes.
This is the most sobering event of my motorcycling life, I can barely look at that photo of the wreck that someone posted!!!
Condolences to his family
and best wishes to JB where ever you are
RIDE SAFE EVERYONE
-
***MG Members***
It’s a good time for all of us to offer our condolences and mentions of the times and adventures we had with JB.
However it’s really not the time and place for discussion about the pros and cons of riding equipment or riding techniques or habits.
Let’s use this time to remember the laughter and joys we spend with our friend and fellow WG family member.
Thanks MG family.
Dan
Amen, Dan.
Ralph
-
It is very sobering to comprehend that JB is gone from this life. I guess I must have lived somewhat vicariously through his exploits and writings over the years. This hits home harder than I thought. It brings to mind that I cannot ride on forever and ever, no matter what I think. My wife reminds me that no one escapes this life alive. I recall a famous someone once saying something like: "surely I thought there would be an exception made for me" I realize that there are no exceptions. I am glad our paths crossed JB.
-
JB about 8-10 years back at the Junction northern IL breakfast, January.
(https://i.ibb.co/c6tXBVc/IMG-0063.jpg) (https://ibb.co/c6tXBVc)
-
Do me a big favor. Please send a card as I know his daughter would appreciate getting a card from his many friends. From my own experience I can not stress enough how much a card means. It means you could take the time to show you cared.
Thanks very much,
Tex
-
So sorry to hear the news. His riding exploits posted here were legendary and entertaining.
-
Folks, John's daughter will soon have an obituary out, you can then learn all we need to know from that.
-
I was doing a search for information on an EV oil breather issue and the first post that came up was one of Ratguzzi's brilliant mods. Broke my heart, but made me smile.
-
Do me a big favor. Please send a card as I know his daughter would appreciate getting a card from his many friends. From my own experience I can not stress enough how much a card means. It means you could take the time to show you cared.
Thanks very much,
Tex
Good advice Turnip. What is the name of his daughter?
-
******PLEASE READ****
I have removed the last post on this thread that I wish to deal with.
Please, do not offer any opinions as to what riding equipment should have or should not have been used. Nor opinions as to the picture which has been posted and now removed. These types of subjects injected into this thread is generating strong responses of rebukes and disputes between members.
I realize there are some of you who are devastated over JBs demise but arguments over certain aspects of the accident is causing more distress and pain than it’s healing.
All members are welcome to offer their condolences and recalled adventures with the passed member.
Please, respect this tragic event and stop the division among yourselves over particular reasons that may or may not have been the cause of his fatality.
Dan
-
I never had the pleasure.
Condolences to his family.
RIP JB :sad:
-
John Allen Boettcher, 62 of Wonder Lake, IL passed away surrounded by his loving family on October 14th, 2021. John was born February 17th, 1959 in Chicago, IL to William and Helen (Leland) Boettcher. He is survived by his daughter, Jennea Boettcher and granddog Tank of Walworth, WI, ex-wife Susanne Boettcher of Walworth, WI, siblings Ken Boettcher (Paula) of Wonder Lake, IL, Diane Price (Tony) of Christopher, IL, Mark Boettcher (Kathy) of Spring Grove, IL, and Gina Gardner (Todd) of Holiday Hills, IL; and by many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his niece Katie Boettcher, father William Boettcher, mother Helen Boettcher, former father-in-law Ray Schumer, and dear friend Dave Marvin.
John grew up in Holiday Hills, IL and graduated in 1977 from McHenry West High School. A strong work ethic and natural skill in science, math, and mechanics paved the way for him to become a successful senior field service engineer for the past 17 years at Seco-Warwick. John had previously worked at Watlow in Richmond, IL and Marathon in McHenry, IL where he made many lasting friendships. For many years he also worked part time as a freelance photographer.
An experienced traveler for both work and recreation, John traveled the world on many different motorcycles, but primarily his 1976 Moto Guzzi Eldorado. His favorite musical artist was Bob Dylan and he also greatly enjoyed watching local blues musicians.
A visitation will be held at Justen Funeral Home 3700 Charles J. MIller Memorial HWY McHenry, IL on Sunday October 24th from 1pm to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the charities Moto F.A.M. or McHenry County PADS.
(https://i.ibb.co/XFh92Xk/John-Boettcher.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XFh92Xk)
-
Strange, when I was reading his obit, Bob Dylan started playing on the radio. Sad.
-
John Allen Boettcher, 62 of Wonder Lake, IL passed away surrounded by his loving family on October 14th, 2021. John was born February 17th, 1959 in Chicago, IL to William and Helen (Leland) Boettcher. He is survived by his daughter, Jennea Boettcher and granddog Tank of Walworth, WI, ex-wife Susanne Boettcher of Walworth, WI, siblings Ken Boettcher (Paula) of Wonder Lake, IL, Diane Price (Tony) of Christopher, IL, Mark Boettcher (Kathy) of Spring Grove, IL, and Gina Gardner (Todd) of Holiday Hills, IL; and by many loving nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his niece Katie Boettcher, father William Boettcher, mother Helen Boettcher, former father-in-law Ray Schumer, and dear friend Dave Marvin.
John grew up in Holiday Hills, IL and graduated in 1977 from McHenry West High School. A strong work ethic and natural skill in science, math, and mechanics paved the way for him to become a successful senior field service engineer for the past 17 years at Seco-Warwick. John had previously worked at Watlow in Richmond, IL and Marathon in McHenry, IL where he made many lasting friendships. For many years he also worked part time as a freelance photographer.
An experienced traveler for both work and recreation, John traveled the world on many different motorcycles, but primarily his 1976 Moto Guzzi Eldorado. His favorite musical artist was Bob Dylan and he also greatly enjoyed watching local blues musicians.
A visitation will be held at Justen Funeral Home 3700 Charles J. MIller Memorial HWY McHenry, IL on Sunday October 24th from 1pm to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the charities Moto F.A.M. or McHenry County PADS.
(https://i.ibb.co/XFh92Xk/John-Boettcher.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XFh92Xk)
Thanks Charlie. That's a nice picture of the JB that I remember. Although, I wonder where that gray hair came from?
-
A life well lived with many, many friends. He passed as a rich man. Goodspeed.
-
My heartfelt condolences to his family on his passing, and it's a true bummer to us all. I ALMOST met him one day when I happened across his unique Eldo in the parking lot of Sikorsky Aircraft probably 10 yrs ago, where he was apparently visiting for work, and where I worked (and still do). Not recognizing it, I took pics of his amazing ride and posted them on this site, where he fessed up pretty quickly. We explained pleasantries in that thread, and I probably have some old PM's. He impressed me immediately, and those are the people you remember. Godspeed, Jim, way too soon.
-
RIP John. We will surely miss your stories!
-
Godspeed, JB., we had some good times.
-
I never met JB, but he was legendary.
I know it's no or little comfort to his friends, family and acquaintances, but JB's untimely demise reminds me of the recent passing of David Olney, doing what he loved doing, on stage, performing, and between songs, off he went.
I'm sure JB wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Rip
-
I just saw this. I've met him several times (once at his house, and once while he was working in Milwaukee). Such a great guy, and he might be the most interesting man I ever met, and I mean that in the best way possible! He will be missed!
Ken
-
Helen and I are driving down to McHenry for the visitation tomorrow.
https://justenfh.com/obituary/john-allen-boettcher/
-
This is a picture of John taken at Rosefarm Classics on January 2, 2010.
We will miss you JB!
(https://i.ibb.co/X3TwG1k/JB-at-Rosefarm-1-02-2010.jpg) (https://ibb.co/X3TwG1k)