Sadly, we raise a farewell salute to our fallen fiancé, brother, uncle, great-uncle, US Navy veteran and dear friend, Roger Joseph Boettcher, age 65, who passed away unexpectedly at his home in Macomb, Michigan on Sept. 17,2020. Roger was born Jan. 25, 1955 in Bay City, the son of Robert E. and Virginia V. (Czernik) Boettcher. At the age of 2, while being treated for a serious case of German measles, little Roger almost “escaped” from Mercy Hospital! An alert nurse nabbed the diaper-less toddler as he was speeding down the hallway, and claimed that he was almost impossible to restrain. This was a perfect example of Roger’s adventurous streak, as he never stopped speeding toward his life goals! Roger attended Our Lady of Visitation elementary and junior high, and graduated from T.L. Handy High School in Bay City, where he enjoyed acting in plays and being on debate teams. He then attended Michigan State University in East Lansing where he graduated with a degree in Advertising in 1981. He was a member and alumnus of Delta-Psi Chapter 1975, Kappa Sigma fraternity. Roger joined the U.S. Navy in 1982, graduated from Officer Candidate School and attained the rank of Lieutenant JG. He participated in several training missions in the Atlantic and Mediterranean while aboard the USS Raleigh LPD-1. After active duty, he continued his naval career as a supervisor at the ship repair & maintenance facility, US Naval Shipyard in Norfolk, VA. While in the Navy, he completed his education at Old Dominion University. After his honorable discharge in 1989, Roger organized Aces International, his own fiber optics certification training business in Virginia Beach, VA, primarily to serve government clients. In 2009, Roger joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection Headquarters in Washington D.C. In 2015, he transferred to the Detroit Sector Headquarters at Selfridge Air Force Base, Macomb, Michigan, serving as Mission Support Specialist. In this capacity, he most recently procured vital protective safety items and equipment for use during the Covid-19 pandemic, and was commended by his superiors for his determination and creative ability in obtaining extremely scarce supplies for Michigan and Ohio. Roger continued his dedicated efforts and daily work schedule while undergoing treatment for Multiple Myeloma since early 2020. Roger was extremely patriotic and proudly dedicated to the service of his country. He requested and received a U.S. Flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol, which he kept in a special display case. He loved his family very much and enjoyed sharing anecdotes with young and old alike. Golf and the Detroit Red Wings were his passions. He also enjoyed collecting baseball and hockey memorabilia, as well as writing short stories and developing potential new products. He was always working on a new “invention”. Roger is survived by his fiancé and “love of his life”, Paula Suhak Garcia; sisters Leilani (Bernard) Hoeh, Diane (Cliff) Warnert, Michele (Dennis) Wuolle; brother Robert (Shelley) Boettcher; nieces Courtney Theisen and Kelley Feldman; nephews Matt & Mark Boettcher, David Warnert and Brian Hoeh, along with 2 grand-nieces and 3 grand-nephews. Roger was pre-deceased by his parents and one nephew, Eric Hoeh. Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Trahan Funeral Chapel, 256 N. Madison Ave., Bay City., Due to the current health concerns and gathering limitations, social distancing will be observed. The Funeral Service will held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at the Trahan Funeral Chapel, followed by interment with Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council at Floral Gardens Cemetery, Bay City. Memorials may be made to Special Olympics or the charity of your choice. For on-line sentiments: www.trahanfc.com