Robert M. Boetticher, Sr., D.H.L. - Vice Chairman/CEO
Mr. Boetticher began his career in funeral service in Los Angeles in 1965. He entered the U.S. Army a year later, serving
as a supply sergeant and embalmer at the Army mortuary in Frankfurt, Germany. Honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in
1970, he graduated from the California College of Mortuary Science and joined Gates Kingsley & Gates Mortuary in Santa Monica, California.
In 1974, Mr. Boetticher and his wife, Jarka, purchased four funeral homes and a flower shop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he was elected
Teton County Coroner for Teton County, Yellowstone National Park and Teton National Park. He also held offices in many local and state organizations,
including the Wyoming Funeral Directors Association where he served two terms as president.
Read more
In 1983, Mr. Boetticher rejoined Service Corporation International and relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where he served in a variety of
field operations positions before moving to the company’s Houston, Texas headquarters in 1991.
Mr. Boetticher in 1993 joined both the National Museum of Funeral History and he is Vice-Chairman of the Board of Regents for the Commonwealth
Institute of Funeral Service. His expertise in funeral service has led to consulting assignments for numerous films, including The Gangs of New York
and A Woman of Independent Means. His television credits include work on Six Feet Under, The History Channel and Discover Station.
His professional accreditations include mortuary licenses in the State of Texas and the State of California, as well as an honorary Doctorate of
Human Letters from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Science.
Robert and Jarka Boetticher currently reside in Houston and have three children.
Genevieve G. Keeney - President
Genevieve Keeney's career began in the United States Army. Serving for 12 years, Staff
Sergeant Keeney spent six years at Ledward Barracks in Schweinfurt, Germany. Ms.
Keeney describes this period of her life as the "proudest and most sincere." Ms. Keeney
received two Army Commendation Medals, three Achievement Medals, three Good
Conduct Medals and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. It was through the exemplary performance of
her duties diagnosing and treating the grief stricken, that Ms. Keeney discovered the passion that would fuel her career
in funeral service.
Read more
Upon returning to the states, Ms. Keeney entered the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, graduating with
distinct honors and two of the three awards presented to each graduating class. Genevieve is a Licensed Funeral
Director and holds a BS in Psychology from the University of Maryland. She is also degreed in Funeral Service Education
and is a Certified Bereavement Counselor and Facilitator. As a long-time member of the Association for Death
Education and Counseling (ADEC), she understands the need for bereavement assistance and has treated the very real
physiological manifestations of grief and tragedy.
Genevieve is currently the President of the National Museum of Funeral History. Her tenure began as the museum itself
was undergoing major renovations only to suffer the wrath of Hurricane Ike. Genevieve helped to coordinate completion
of both the renovations and hurricane repairs. The museum now features an additional 10,500 square feet of display
space that is home to the world's first Papal exhibit. This spectacular exhibit has been approved by and coordinated with
the Vatican. In addition, Genevieve developed the "Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead) exhibit honoring one of the
most widely celebrated Hispanic traditions in the world.
On a more personal level, this mother of four is looking forward to the birth of her second grandchild. She will quickly
admit that her children are her life. Genevieve's personal goal is to shed light on the reality of death and loss. As a
death-education advocate, her message extends beyond her profession to the greater responsibility. She has taught her
children that life is precious and loved-ones are finite treasures. People often wonder why an individual chooses funeral
service as a profession. Genevieve Keeney is the answer to that curiosity.
Lucy Gonzalez - Manager
Lucy Gonzalez brings proven managerial skills and enormous dedication to the National Museum of Funeral History, where she currently serves as museum manager.
She joined the Museum in 2001 as an administrative assistant and has been instrumental ever since in helping the institution evolve into an experience-based venue.
Read more
Lucy currently oversees the accounting department and plays a critical role in connecting the Museum with the local community through coordination of special
events and tours. She also manages all operations of the Museum gift shop and was integral in its growth from just 10 items for sale to more than 1,500 today.
Prior to joining the Museum, Lucy was employed as a certified travel agent. Her professional experience also includes
positions held with Walgreen Co., Continental Airlines, and Days Inn.
Outside of the office, Lucy can often be found indulging in her love for gardening and spending time with her two children and grandchildren.
