Timothy W. Boettger

Timothy W. Boettger, age 76, of Hot Springs, passed away peacefully, holding both of his daughters hands on Wednesday, December 29, 2021.

He was born on July 22, 1945, in Plainfield, New Jersey, the son of Charles Russell Boettger and Francis Hope Winship Boettger. On October 21, 1978, he married his forever love, Janeen M. Emery and dedicated his life to her, caregiving for her in later years.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janeen M. Boettger of Hot Springs, two daughters, Lindsay Nicole Crise and Allison Danielle Wahbi; two grandchildren, Abraham Magnus Wahbi and Norah Johanna Wahbi; his sister, Bonnie Anne Gifford; several nieces, nephews, extended family, and innumerous dedicated friends.

He was a graduate of the Valley Forge Military Academy and North West Missouri State. He was a pilot and owned a cropdusting business in Louisiana before purchasing a business in Hot Springs that would become our Razorback Vending for over 30 years.

Dad, Poppy, Mr. Tim… A loving and fiercely devoted dad, husband, and grandfather, beloved boss, mentor, and friend, and tenacious fisherman, Dad had a zest for life unlike any other and chased everything he did showing this zest, even when life threw Dad more than most could handle. He passionately played racquetball, rode mountain and road bikes, kayaked, fished, and was a dedicated IDPA competition shooter and MVSA safety officer. He loved his weekly poker nights with ‘the guys,’ always appreciating the accompanying quality bourbon. And, in all of his participation, he always introduced new friends to the sports, giving them the love, sharing his beloved stories, leading by his honorable example. Employees say they felt like family. Friends say they are better fathers and men because of him.

Dad loved boating with mom and us. He held dear his time on the water, weather vacationing in Cape Cod with his dear sister as a kid, jumping ocean waves with his parents and us in Long Boat Key, Sarasota, cruising around Lake Hamilton in the boat, standing in a trout stream, or later, fishing from his personally handicap adapted fishing barge. Dad was more than at home on the water. “Eventually all things merge into one and a river runs through it.” -Norman Maclean. We know Dad is standing on strong legs again in a Heavenly trout stream.

Memorial services will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 29, 2022, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs.

The family appreciates flowers or donations to Trout Unlimited at tu.org.

Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.