Earl Melvin Boetker, 85, died, Saturday September 2, 2006 at Good Samaritan Nursing home in New Underwood.Earl was born to John and Ethel (Morehouse) Boetker on August 29, 1921 on a ranch northeast of Rapid City. After graduation from Rapid City High School, he worked at home, and for neighbors, William and Paul Wintrode.He was drafted into the Army during WWII, leaving Rapid City on July 11, 1942 and was discharged at Camp McCoy, WI. on March 23, 1946. During his Army tenure he was stationed at Los Angeles, Camp Murphy, Fla., Camp Edwards, Mass., Camp Wallace, TX. Camp Stewart, Ga., Fort Bliss at El Paso, TX., Orlando, Fla., Camp Rucker, Al., and Camp Shanks, NY., where he embarked for the European Theater. While in the service, he went to radio school, drove Army trucks and jeeps, making Staff Sergeant before leaving for Europe. In Germany, he was a bartender and supply clerk. After his discharge, he tried to borrow money to buy a ranch, but was turned down because he’d been away too long serving his country.On October 12, 1948 he married Arlene Kammerer. To this union were born a son John Boetker, and a daughter Carol Boetker Painter. Earl started working at Rapid City Sale Barn in 1946, working in the yards and then as weigh master. This position he held while working at Rapid City, Philip and St. Onge sale yards. He worked at Rapid City until it closed in 1977, at Philip about 10 years, in the 50’s and 60’s and at St. Onge from 1966 until 1984. Everyone marveled at his fantastic memory which helped to correct mistakes quickly.Earl continued to work with his son John on the ranch until the last few years when health problems and several falls made his go to the Good Samaritan home in New Underwood on August 10, 2006. On August 29th he celebrated his 85th birthday.He is survived by his wife Arlene Boetker, RC, on son John Boetker and one daughter Carol and husband Lonnie Painter, both of RC, grandchildren Ryan and wife Amy Painter and Clint Painter, and great-grandchildren Ryan and Reyme Painter, all of RC, and one brother Charles Boetker, RC.