Svensen, Oregon - Donald Otto Carl Boettcher was born in Aberdeen, Washington to Art and Ruth Boettcher on June 19th, 1937. He passed away peacefully at home in Svensen, with his family at his side, on December 23rd, 2025.

Don graduated from Knappa High School in 1956. Around this time, he might have been seen driving in his '55 Chevy, listening to his favorite song "White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation."

After graduation, Don worked at Bradwood Mill and served in the National Guard before going to the woods to be a cutter. He started his own logging company, Boettcher Logging and Landclearing, in the 1980s. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the woods. He especially loved the challenge of the big ones. When he was 82, he finally let the boys take over splitting the family firewood.

When he wasn't at work, Don was having fun with those he loved. He played softball and mushball (sometimes in the mud), and he bowled. He travelled with his wife Marcy and their friends to many tournaments.

Don always made time for the people he loved. Even after a hard day of work in the woods, he would come home and play with the kids. He was sure to spend quality time with his children and grandchildren. He made each of them feel special, safe, and loved. His constant joking around even made chores fun.

Don would find ways to make happy memories. Marcy once came home early from bowling one night to find all the lights off and the kids surfing mattresses down the stairs. Don was the ringleader.

He was also well known for wearing a gorilla suit on Halloween, and sometimes jumping out of trees to scare trick-or-treaters.

Even though he knew how to have fun, he worked hard. He was proud of each of his children and grandchildren and the work ethic he instilled in them.

He supported all of his grandkids. He was an enthusiastic onlooker at Logan's baseball games and loved to watch Michael bowl. He attended every graduation and danced at every wedding.

Don is survived by his wife Marcy, to whom he was married for 61 years. They laughed with each other and at each other a lot.

Don is also survived by his sister Bonnie and his brother Richard.

Don is survived by his kids: Don and Debbie; Gary and Ingrid; Shawn; Carol and Fred; Larry; Sheri; and Heidi and Nathan.

He is also survived by his grandkids: Kristanna and Eric; Meisha and Craig; Michael; Tyler and Ericka; Drew; Brenden; Malachi and Alexis; Logan and Bayle; and Dain

Don is also survived by his great-grandkids: Owen; Paige; Marie; and Bristol

He will be remembered by all as someone with a quick wit and a lasting smile.

A celebration of life will be February 15th, 2026 at the Svensen Grange. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Knappa Food Pantry or Knappa High School.