Donald J. 'Bootz' Bloechl

Donald J. ‘Bootz’ Bloechl, 92, of Merrill, formerly of Gleason, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024, surrounded by his family at Rennes Health & Rehab in Weston. 

Bootz was born November 12, 1931, in Lincoln County, son of Joseph and Rose (Kawan) Bloechl. Bootz enlisted in the United States Army on March 8, 1956, and was honorably discharged on March 7, 1958. He married Alma E. Kanapka on May 21, 1955, in Merrill. She preceded him in death on March 4, 2017. Bootz took over the family dairy farm from his parents. He farmed in the Gleason area for many years. He also worked for over thirty years at Lincoln Wood in Merrill. Bootz was a hard worker and a gentle soul.

Bootz was very proud of the shack he built in Gleason. He harvested the logs from his property and milled them to build the shack. Bootz enjoyed hunting, 4-wheeling, tinkering, watching the Green Bay Packers, and hosting Packer parties at the shack. 

Bootz was known for his sense of humor and being a practical joker. This goes way back to his childhood when he threw bullets into the elementary school’s woodstove. Bootz drew little jokes and had funny signs posted all over. His mind was always working and thinking of the next joke or goofy thing he could do.

Bootz enjoyed Friday Fish Fries, Tuesday night Eagle’s Club liver dinners, and a good Old Fashioned. He could eat anything as long as it had maple syrup or honey on it. Bootz enjoyed Sunday drives. Bootz loved all animals, especially his dogs, Bailey and Brandi. Bootz was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. 

Survivors include his three daughters, Lori Bushar (Roger Volovsek) of Weston, Kathy Bloechl of Marshfield, and Lisa (Steve) Chartier of Merrill; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michael (Amanda) Bushar and their daughter Charlie of Birnamwood, Jason (Courtney) Chartier and their son Woodson of Green Bay, Leah Krueger of Stevens Point, Laura (Darrin) Prentice and their son Davin of Merrill, Lindsay (Garrett) Pagel of Merrill, and Angie Chartier (Samantha Lucey) of Hilton Head, SC; sister, Shirley Gennrich; sister-in-law, Lydia Wachsmuth of Wausau; and many nieces and nephews. Bootz was preceded in death by his wife, Alma Bloechl; parents, Joseph and Rose Bloechl; infant son, Gregory Bloechl; sister and brother-in-law, Lavergne (Chester) Hodgson; and brother-in-law, Marland Gennrich.

Taylor-Stine Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstine.com