Paula Boche

Paula Boche, 90, passed Friday, February 21, 2025, at her daughter’s home. She was born April 18, 1934, in Nuremberg, Germany to Franz Xaver and Theresa (Boesch) Thanner and moved to Chicago at age 20.

Paula married George Peter Boche August 25, 1962, who immigrated from Schweinfurt, Germany in 1960. George placed a personal ad in a German newspaper in Milwaukee, which was mistakenly listed in the Chicago edition. Paula answered it, they built a life together in Milwaukee, became naturalized citizens in 1967 and were married 42 years.

Paula was the caretaker of her family; a “haus frau” homemaker. Previously employed at Pfaffenritter GmbH in Nuremberg (making shaving brushes) and a carpet factory in Chicago; she worked at a delicatessen for a time, but when her husband arrived to give her a ride home, he regularly bought more meat than her wages covered, so she resigned.

She was known for being a chatty storyteller of her fascinating life experiences, always finding comedy in tragedy. She took joy in caring for her grandchildren and all the pets over the years (she even taught her parakeet both English and German). She loved music (Johnny Hoffmann, Lawrence Welk and later Andy Borg every day), crocheting (including baby outfits for all), her flower garden and bird feeders (but disliked the squirrels). She showed her affection through gifts and deeds (she sewed everything anyone needed) and on milestone occasions with a formal announcement of how much she loved us. She always looked out for the outsider and the person in need, was fiercely loyal and fair, loved the color red, ate chocolate like it was food, and enjoyed a Jägermeister (once in a while.)

Paula is survived by her daughters Monica (Bob) Kling and Anita (Meijin Chong) Boche. She was a proud Oma to Thanner, Alexander, Kyler and Peter George Kling. Paula was 16 when she lost her mother and was preceded in death by her father, husband, brother Richard (Gitta) Thanner, and sister Hedi (Reinhold) Goebel.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to her neighbor John for years of help, to her caregivers: Erin, Sheila, Barbee, Bianca, Mari-Lynn and many others, to the Vitas Ruth’s House and the Hospice staff, especially Alicia who was with her in her final moments. Your compassion and support are heartfelt.

In her decline she went from caretaker to dependent (something she stubbornly fought for years). Special thanks to Monica and Bob for taking her into their home and keeping her comfortable for 6 years. Paula’s legacy is the perseverance, moral character, and sense of humor she modeled.

The family will hold private memorial service, and condolences can be sent to 8133 South Forest Meadows Drive, Franklin, Wisconsin 53132.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in her memory to: Happy Endings No Kill Cat Shelter or Jrs Pups N Stuff Dog Rescue (both of Milwaukee)