Richard George Boardman

1931 - 2022

Richard George Boardman
Born: August 29, 1931
Died: March 17, 2022
Richard George Boardman, 90, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Oak Crest Retirement Center.
He was born August 29, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Dr. George and Virginia (Harrison) Boardman.
Dick was a lifelong DeKalb resident, graduating from DeKalb Township High School class of 1949, where he and Jo Ann were high school sweethearts. After a year at Beloit College, he served in the U.S. Air Force at Chanute Air Force base in downstate Rantoul, Illinois, as a weather instructor.
Dick and Jo Ann were married in 1952 in DeKalb, where they raised their family. Dick went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Accounting at NIU and Masters degree in Business Administration, also at NIU. Dick taught business courses at Evergreen Park High School, before returning to DeKalb, and creating and managing the first bookstore for NIU students at Secor's drugstore, downtown DeKalb. He then took the position of Bookstore Manager at NIU's first university bookstore in the Holmes Student Center. He went on to open the university's first private bookstore, Village Commons Bookstore in 1970, retiring in 1997. During Part of his time at VCB, Dick also served as President of the National Association of College Bookstores, and taught bookstore principles and management around the world for NACS.
He also served on the Board of Directors of the NIU Huskies Club, NIU Athletic Board, NIU Alumni Association and NIU Foundation. Dick was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in DeKalb and belonged to The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the DeKalb Kiwanis Club.
Dick and Jo Ann Enjoyed Travelling throughout their retirement both statewide and overseas. He enjoyed golfing for many years and his weekly lunch with good friends. He was an avid fan of NIU football and basketball attending many games with family and friends. The whole family enjoyed many trips with Dad and Mom, including many trips to Sanibel Island, Florida, where he and Jo Ann were part-time residents for over 30 years. He also enjoyed his many trips for Ollie's Frozen Custard! Dick had many wonderful canine companions throughout the years.
He is survived by four daughters, Jody Boardman of DeKalb, Sally (Steve) Sharp of Naperville, Pamela Boardman of DeKalb, and Amy Boardman Brummer, Louisville, Kentucky; seven granddaughters, Cory Kilian, Kacy (Brian) Golden, Brittney Sharp, Riley (Luke) Sassano, Jessica (James) Carroll, Jillian King, Megan (Andrew) Elliott; great-grandchildren, Madison Van Buren, Riley King, Camden Carroll, Celia Jo Carroll, Lillian Sassano and Emmett Sassano.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jo Ann Boardman in 2017, his parents Dr. George and Virginia Boardman and infant son, Richard Jon Boardman.
The Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2022, at First United Methodist Church of DeKalb, 317 North Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois 60115, with Full Military Honors by DeKalb American Legion Post 66.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at 2:00 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church or Tails Humane Society, in memory of Richard Boardman, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.