Rev. Prof. Paul Andrew Otto Boecler entered the Kingdom of Christ on December 15, 2022. Born on November 23, 1931, in Dearborn, Michigan, to Paul H.F. and Anne (nee Bruckner), like many of his ancestors, Paul was called to be a servant of the Lord and was ordained as a Lutheran pastor in 1958. He served as pastor at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Milford, Ohio, before marrying his German bride, Gertraud, on September 6 (and again on September 10), 1965.

Paul taught for 10 years at Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and 24 years at Concordia College, Bronxville, New York, where he touched countless lives of students and colleagues alike with his love of Christ and his dry humor. Upon retirement, he and Gertraud moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he continued his ministry by teaching English to foreign medical researchers, which he chronicled in a book.

Paul was kind, generous, genuine, and, frankly, hilarious—qualities that drew people to him—as well as humble, a characteristic that prohibited him from boasting about his accomplishments. Those who formed more recent friendships with Paul may not have known of his authorship or the profound impact he had on his parishioners, students, and colleagues, but they quickly learned of his inclination for scotch, the St. Louis Cardinals, and Michigan football. Above all, he professed the love of Jesus to all who would listen.

A devoted and loving husband and father, Paul is survived by his wife, Gertraud; son, Gerhardt (Lynn); daughter, Andrea; grandchildren, Dieter and Elsa; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret.

The memorial service for Paul will be held on January 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Hospice or Our Savior.