Obituary for Gerald W. "Jerry" Bottcher

Jerry was born on August 31, 1955, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to James R. Bottcher and Ann Barracliff (Roth). He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1974 and went on to become a successful business owner, founding JB’s Auto Sales. Most recently, he was employed by Remis Power Systems, Inc.

Throughout his life, Jerry was deeply committed to his family. He was known for his kindness, strong work ethic, generosity, humor, and unmistakable spark. Jerry had a lifelong passion for racing and cars, especially his treasured 1969 Z28 Camaro. Above all else, some of his most cherished moments were spent with his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy.

Jerry shared 49 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Kathy Bottcher (Hauswirth). He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, taking great pride in his children, grandchildren, extended family, and the many relationships he built throughout his life.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathy Bottcher; his children, Steven (Dani) Bottcher, KariLynn (Virgil) Dunmeyer, and Nick (Lauren) Bottcher; and his grandchildren, Tajai and Carson Dunmeyer, Madison, Brooklyn, Peyton, Tyson, and Isabella Bottcher. He is also survived by his brothers, James (Cindee), Jeffery (Theresa), John Bottcher, and Chuck Holm; his sisters-in-law, Mary Violette, Jeanne Steinhoff, Nancy (Steve) Ruud, and Patti (Ron) Anderson; along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ann Bottcher; his stepmother, Evelyn Bottcher; his brother-in-law, Fred Steinhoff; and several other loved ones.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, at Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, WI 54601. A Celebration of Life will be held in April 2026, with the date and time to be announced.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Tony and Nikki Bottcher for their unwavering support during Jerry’s journey.

Those who knew Jerry knew his goal was to celebrate 50 years of marriage with Kathy this coming April. He faced his battle with cancer with that milestone in mind, never complaining about the cards he was dealt, but instead focusing on the love he shared and the many years for which he was deeply grateful.