Casey Boatman loved life. He was the most perfect mix of sensitivity and comedic timing. At 6'7", his size was often the first thing people noticed about him, but his heart is what people connected to- whether he was chatting about sports, the newest restaurant he wanted to try, or deeply listening to you.

He first met Sarah when they were 3 years old and went to nursery school together. By 4th grade they started "dating" and in 5th grade she was heartbroken when Casey's family moved to Darlington.  One warm summer night when they were 24 years old, he recognized Sarah from across the room and from the moment he approached her and said "I think you were my 5th grade girlfriend" they were inseparable.  Engaged 5 months later and 4 months after that they were married on April 15, 2006.

Casey was at his happiest with Sarah, the love of his life, by his side, and laughing with his children. He was the most incredible father. He delighted in every stage from swaddling our newborns and using his magic bounce to soothe them when they were sad to seeing their personality form and teaching them how to dance and throw a ball. He loved reading to them and coaching them in every sport. He loved attending sporting events, concerts, and recitals for Tatum (18), Everett (16), Stella (9), and Hattie (6).  Casey loved being in the kitchen cooking with his daughters, playing basketball with his son, dancing with his wife, shopping, traveling, hiking, enjoying the beach, and singing along to his latest playlist.

Casey was a beloved 5th grade teacher at Wisconsin Heights Elementary. He built relationships with his students and through those connections he taught them to love math, dig into a good book, and most importantly to believe in themselves.

Casey was an avid athlete playing football and basketball for Darlington. He went on to play basketball at MATC. His kindness and quiet determination were admired by his teammates.

Casey passed away on Wednesday, March 18th at age 44, surrounded by his adoring wife and children.  He will be forever missed by his wife and best friend, Sarah Boatman. And by his children that were the biggest joys of his life, Tatum, Everett, Stella, and Hattie Boatman.

He will be further missed by his loving parents, Bob and Ellen Boatman. His grandmother, Gloria Boatman, brother Ryan (Kari) Boatman, brother Scott (Lynnette) Boatman, sister Shannon (Jamie) Williams, sister Ashley (Mark) Gossens and 13 adoring nieces and nephews.  His father- and mother-in-law that loved him like a son, Ben and Debby Kahl. And his sister-in-law, Laura Kahl.  Preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles & Edith Vickers and grandfather Richard Boatman.

He will be deeply missed by his loving friends, Eric Elzen and Jason Elzen.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at the Swiss United Church of Christ, 18 Fifth Ave., New Glarus, WI.  Rev. Sara Rabe will officiate.

A gathering of relatives and friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club, W4764 Edelweiss Rd., New Glarus, WI.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established at the Bank of New Glarus for Sarah and the children.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.