Dick, Irene Boettcher named Weld Co. United Way Humanitarians of the Year

GREELEY — Dick and Irene Boettcher were recently announced as recipients of the United Way of Weld County’s Humanitarians of the Year Award.
    Each year the Board of Directors has the task of selecting an individual or couple to receive the award with a focus on education, income and health. For 2012, the board honored the Boettchers, who have dedicated a lifetime of caring for children, youth and families in our community.

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Dick and Irene Boettcher

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    Dick and Irene Boettcher are leaders who have worked to make our community a better place for all. The list of their commitments is long and many. They have given service to their country, their family and their community.
    As high school sweethearts, they were separated soon after as Dick was drafted to serve in the Army. But when he returned, she was waiting for him and they were soon engaged. Dick attended college to become a teacher, but worked through college for Professional Finance Corp., which he later became owner. As business and family grew, the Boettcher’s felt a service to their community was important.
    The United Way of Weld County’s roots date back to 1940, when it was formed under the name Community Chest. Following a hiatus during World War II, Dick Boettcher and a group of community leaders re-established the organization; naming it the Greeley One Fund; Dick chaired the Board of Directors for several years.
    This compassionate couple has touched many worthy organizations from service clubs to the arts, from their church to health care, from social groups to government and professional associations — no stone has been unturned. Of their many commitments, Dick and Irene were involved in the Jaycees, North Colorado Medical Center Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Assistance League of Greeley, Monfort Children’s Clinic, and many other community programs and services.
    Dick and Irene’s love for each other, their spirited teamwork and their genuine love and compassion for this community is evident in everything they have touched. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Their love for their family is strong. They have passed on values including the role and obligation each of us has to our fellow man and our community.