Thomas "Tom" Boeke

Thomas "Tom" Boeke, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at the Keelson Harbour Senior Living Facility in Spirit Lake, IA. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 16th at the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, IA. The family will not be present. A flowing visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 17th in conjunction with his beloved wife's visitation at the Boeke Funeral Home in Hubbard, IA. A double graveside service for Tom & Marge will be held at the Hubbard Cemetery on Friday, December 18th at 10:30 am. Please wear a mask and respect social distancing guidelines at all functions. The Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake is in charge of Spirit Lake arrangements and the Boeke Funeral Home in Hubbard is in charge of Hubbard Arrangements. Thomas Henry Boeke was born on July 20, 1937 to Golda Mae (Reese) Boeke and Arthur Henry Boeke in Hubbard, Iowa. Tom had loved growing up in Hubbard—his family and relatives, his parents’ drugstore, and, admittedly, causing some mischief. On August 17, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Ellen (Oberhokamp) Boeke. The last few years of his life were dedicated to caring for her, remaining at her side. His family was not surprised when he followed her in death three days later. Tom attended college at the University of Iowa and optometry school at SCO in Memphis, Tennessee. Following graduation, he was thrilled to be hired by Dr. Alfred L. Klein in Spirit Lake, Iowa where he practiced until retirement. Up until the end, he marveled that he and Al never shared a disagreeable word in their forty-plus years of working together. Tom loved the lakes region and living on the lake. Summer was his favorite, when his could sail, boat, swim, and ride his bike around the lake. He enjoyed his mornings looking out at the lake from his “birding chair” in the living room. For years, people recognized him buzzing around town in his yellow VW bug convertible. He enjoyed taking his grandkids to the amusement park in Arnold’s Park, where he seemed to know everyone. A loyal Hawkeye fan to the end, he kept up with the football team this season. There was a lot of black and gold in his closet and many road trips to Iowa City. Pre- and post-game, he enjoyed meeting up with his relatives from Hubbard. At the end of every summer, Tom went to Canada to fish with three of his Spirit Lake buddies: Jim Ladegaard, Rick Nielsen, and Mike Stineman. They were family to him, and he had such fond memories of those trips. A slideshow was made of their fishing photos to the tune of “What a Wonderful Life,” which he insisted be played at his funeral. Tom’s three kids are forever grateful to Jim Ladegaard for doing so much for Tom in his final years. Tom might have been most respected for his dedication to community. Not only did he attend church, but he actively lived a life of caring for others and giving back. He was on so many boards and committees over the years, but his favorite philanthropic endeavor was helping Senor, (Cliff Henderman), distribute donated glasses to those who couldn’t afford eye exams or glasses in Mexico, where he sponsored the education of a young girl. Tom loved traveling, teasing, and talking, and he loved doing it most with his four grandchildren. He was such a wonderful grandfather—happy, helpful, patient, ready to boat to the Park for a root beer float at a moment’s notice. His favorite line that they all remember was, “You gonna be smart like your grandpa?” They remember him so fondly. Tom is survived by his two siblings, Peter Boeke (Chandler, AZ), and Susan (Boeke) Brinkmeyer (Hubbard, IA); his three children, Anthony J. Boeke (Hubbard, IA), Ann M. Boeke (Des Moines, IA), and Angela J. Boeke (Breckenridge, CO); and his four grandchildren, Ellie M. Conser (Los Angeles, CA), Maxwell R. Alberhasky (Austin, TX), Grayson H. Alberhasky (Dallas, TX), and Ruby R. Gerard (Breckenridge, CO). He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Marjorie. We will miss Tom and his zest for life! Thomas passed away on December 15, 2020 from Covid-19. Memorial contributions may be directed to: Dickinson County Trails PO Box 304 Okoboji, IA 51355 Lakeside Lab 1838 IA-86 Milford, IA 51351

Thomas "Tom" Boeke

July 20, 1937 - December 15, 2020