Blase Ward Boettcher

Blase Ward Boettcher was born on August 2, 1950, in Vernal, Utah to his late parents Jerome and Nadine Boettcher (nee Johnson). He was the second of eight children and is survived by his siblings Mary Boettcher, Teresa Dalbec (Charlie), Elizabeth Galbraith, Margaret Smith, Cecelia Sallee (Scott), Anthony Boettcher, and Gloria Boettcher. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Bernard Hesse, brothers-in-law C.J. Smith, Brian Galbraith, and Thomas Hesse, and his daughter Anna Hesse Boettcher. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Philomena Hesse (nee Fritz) and brothers-in-law Timothy Hesse (Kathy), Bernie Hesse (Vickie), Dave Hesse (Deanna), and Bob Hesse (Jennifer).

Blase attended Saint Louis University (SLU) and earned his degree in philosophy with a major in English. He later attended Washington University and received his Masters in Liberal Arts.

He met his wife, Kathleen Hesse, at SLU and they were married on December 29, 1979. They had four children: Anna Hesse Boettcher (died 1980), Marisa Boettcher, Jerome Boettcher (Tracy), and Adrienne Maull (William). He had four grandchildren: Will, Caleb, Joshua and baby Boettcher (due October 2022).

Blase formed Troop 26 in 1970 out of Project North House and continued leading the troop out of Bethlehem Lutheran Church until his death. He led hundreds of scouts in an under-represented area of North St. Louis and was passionate about giving all of his scouts every possible opportunity.

He was a longtime educator and taught at Beaumont, Cardinal Ritter College Prep (CRCP), Youthbuild, SLPS Career and Technical Education, and retired from teaching high school at Clyde Miller Academy. He was a member of the SLATA union and proudly represented his fellow archdiocesan teachers. He taught English at CRCP for 25 years impacting countless students, and often multiple generations of the same family. He served as newspaper advisor and spent many Saturday mornings at the downtown St. Louis Public Library helping juniors with their research papers. He coached cross country and track over three decades, guiding multiple teams and individuals to state championships, and later served as co-athletic director with longtime friend and fellow CRCP educator, the late Kevin O’Brien. He often ran with his athletes to keep them motivated and to make sure everyone finished, no matter the time.

Retired solely in name, he continued to work at the Parking Spot and Special School District as a homebound teacher. He tutored countless students on his own time.

He and Kathy joined St. Teresa of Avila Parish in December of 1979 and was a dedicated member of the parish (now Sts. Teresa & Bridget) until his death. He served on the Parish Council as president and general member for many years, the Men’s Club, and the Maintenance Committee.

In his “retirement,” he was a proud grandfather of his three (soon to be 4) grandsons. He loved generously and always had time to lend an ear, a hand, or any support he could give to his friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, The family asks that donations be made on Blase's behalf to St.s Teresa & Bridgets Church, Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School or The greater St. Louis Area Boy Scouts (directed to Urban Outreach Programs)

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