John Robert Boben

Donna: I just heard about John's death, and was so sorry. I've added both of you to my prayers. (Information takes a long time to make its way to the east coast.)
Judy Houle McAloon

April 25, 2010
One of my fondest memories of Mr. Boben was his incredible mastery of the English language and correct pronunciation of words. Many times, I have thought of Mr. Boben since graduating in 1967. And to this day, when I hear people slurring through words or saying calander instead of Calendar...I can hear him, seriously. Great man, who I admired greatly.
My condolences to your family, John, as I am sure you are creatly missed.
May Creator Bless you all during this...

I really liked and respected Mr. Boben, but I sensed he was a little frustrated with me. I joined one of his eighth grade classes as a transfer from Fairview Jr. High in Roseville. I didn’t know up from down, right from left. In a strange place I choose to sit in the back of classes and tried to be invisible.
But Mr. Boben, well, he didn’t let me sit back there for long. He kept trying to engage me, to get me to contribute to class discussions. But I continued to have a difficult...

I just learned of John's death. I am saddened beyond words. He was the greatest teacher I ever had.

In 1959, he said to me, "You know, Roger, you're a good writer." No one had ever said that to me. As the years went by, I followed his praise. I became an editor in college textbook publishing, helping profs write books. Eventually I published three books of my own and 150 articles. And, like he, I tutor adults and students in English and writing.

I have often wondered...

I was lucky to have been a student of John Boben in the '60's. His quiet demeanor was an example of how to lead and motivate. His uncompromising goal of instructing his students in the use of precise language to communicate has helped me greatly throughout my life. I am forever grateful for the privilege of having been his student.

It was my good fortune to have John Boben as an English teacher at Mahtomedi High School in the late 50’s, early 60’s. Of all the teachers and professors in my life…Mr. Boben stands out as the best of the best. He was friendly and easy to talk to in and out of the classroom. His no nonsense command in the classroom is legendary…and I suspect…sadly, it is a thing of the past. In the summer months I worked north of Forest Lake and saw John almost every day on my lunch hour. I can still see...

Dearest Donna and family,
Our goodbye to John last fall was the final one for us. As sad as we are, the memories we have of our friendship with you over these last 50+ years bring far more laughter than tears. Memories of shared child raising, home projects, cabin chores with rocks, wood chopping, and fishing, and trips planned spontaneously are vivid still. In the recall of these stories John will live as long as we do. Our friendship and appreciation of you continues, and we will...

It was my privilege to have John R. Boben as a teacher in the early 60's at Mahtomedi High School. He was the most exceptional teacher I've ever had, being quietly encouraging and having a quick sense of humor. He merited high respect as an educator and as an individual. His mentorship in my years on the yearbook staff taught me much about editing, layout and deadlines. He was a golden space in many lives.