Stuart Reynold Boelter

Stuart Reynold Boelter

1943-2023

Stuart Reynold Boelter, age 80, of Cohasset died on Sunday, July 16, in Michigan, while on vacation with family.

Stuart was born in Crookston, Minn., on April 29, 1943, to Ralph and Shirley (Olson) Boelter. He was the youngest of three children. His parents both passed when he was very young, so he spent most of his youth living in Tennessee with his sister or in Fertile, Minn., with his aunt and uncle.

Stuart was known for many things, such as his generous spirit; a great smile that lit up the room; his deep, rumbling, infectious laugh; and his always-positive attitude. Arguably his most notable trait was his ability to tell insightful and funny stories. For those lucky enough to know him, you would likely have heard him say, "I probably already told you this, but…" right before he launched into one of his many tales.

He also loved to talk about meeting the love of his life, Eileen, while in high school. He liked to say that "she chased him until he caught her." They were married over 60 years.

Stuart attended college at UND, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. He became one of the original engineers at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls. In 1978, he moved his family to Brainerd when Arctic Cat acquired Scorpion in Crosby. It was in Brainerd that he began designing the original Track Truck and Posi-Track vehicles for ASV. Manufacturing started in Marcel, and in 1985, Stuart moved his family to Grand Rapids. He had since retired from ASV and after doing so, spent his summers on Lake of the Woods. He was an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church for over 35 years.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Eileen, and his 7 children: Scott Boelter, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Mike and Susie (Novak) Boelter, of Tabor, Minn.; Patti and Larry Hansen, of Moorhead; Valeri and Dennis Diller, of Merrifield, Minn.; Bruce and Angie (Weber) Boelter, of Rosemount; Chris and Wendy (Seickert) Boelter, of Crosslake; and Shelli and Jared Daigle of Milwaukee. He was also a proud grandfather to Nathan (Samantha) Hansen, Dylan (Carissa) Hansen, Colton Hansen, Morgan (Chris) Harlicker, Kati Hanson, Soni Hanson (Quinn VanGordon), Toni (Andrew) Jedlenski, Hayden Boelter, Darby Boelter, Milo Daigle, Easton Daigle, Gary (Sunshine) Moser, and Morgan Diller. He was also a great-grandfather to Robbie, Axton, Danielle, August, Brady, Joby, Chandlier, Izabell, Abel, Jonah, Myla, Ava, Jace, and Reed.

Stuart was beloved by all those who knew him, and he will be dearly missed. His family knows that he is happily reunited in Heaven with his mother and father; his sister, Vivienne; his brother, Marlyn; and his great-grandson, Connor DeRosier; all of whom preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held at St Augustine Catholic Church in Cohasset on Sunday, July 23rd, from 3-5 p.m., followed by a prayer service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Cohasset on Monday, July 24th, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Stuart will then be laid to rest in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Tabor, Minn., on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, with a graveside service beginning at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.