She married her high school sweetheart, Richard "Dick" Boettcher on December 28, 1947. They were married almost 74 years. He passed away on November 27, 2021 at the age of 95.
Irene was an active member and philanthropist in the Greeley community. In addition to Chapter EC of the PEO Sisterhood she enjoyed her Social Science Circle friends and Assistance League.
She was a 75 year member of the First Congregational Church. She was a world traveler and even visited the North Pole. Irene enjoyed playing the piano, sewing, knitting, helping friends with their computers and she played in many bridge groups. But most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Surviving are a brother, Gordon Wilkinson of Missouri; her children, Dick (Linda) Boettcher of Mesquite, NV, Lori (Mike) Shoop of Greeley, CO and Sue (Mike) McTigue of Parker, CO; grandchildren Ryan Boettcher, Scott (Nicole) Boettcher, Lyndsey (Brad) Wellens, Amy (Ken) Salazar, Charlie (Jenny) Shoop and Joe (Bridget) Blinn and 11 great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by infant son Barry Lynn Boettcher, by 4 brothers and 2 sisters, daughter-in-law Lachelle Boettcher and granddaughter Staci Blinn.
A Funeral Service will be held at First Congregational Church of Greeley, 2101 16th St, Greeley, CO 80631, on September 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. with reception to follow. Private family interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
