Richard Boell

1933 - 2023

Richard Paul Boell March 17, 1933 - December 25, 2023 Richard Paul Boell was born on March 17, 1933, in Carroll, Iowa, to his parents Paul and Helen (Baumhover) Boell. He was baptized in 1933 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Carroll. After attending country school north of Manning through the eighth grade, he graduated from Manning High School in 1952. Following graduation, Richard entered the United States Army on May 12, 1953 where he served during the Korean War. His commitment to serving his country was evident throughout his two-year tenure until he was honorably discharged on March 2, 1955, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Upon returning home, he pursued his passion for farming. On January 10, 1956, Richard married the love of his life, Margaret Ann Dales. They were united in marriage at the Zion Lutheran Church in Manning and were blessed with five children. The couple moved to Scranton, Iowa where they resided for a short time before returning to Manning. They farmed around the area for ten years before moving to a farm near Ricketts. Three years later, they acquired a farm north of Ricketts and then eventually purchased a farm south of Schleswig in 1989 where they resided until Margaret's passing in 2008. In June 2020, Richard relocated to Denison. Richard found joy in various hobbies and interests. He enjoyed farming (especially baling hay) and was an avid collector of John Deere. He took immense pleasure in the companionship of his parrot named Rainbow. Richard's children and their families were a source of pride and joy to him, and he delighted in sharing stories about them. Above all, he cherished his family more than anything. Richard held employment at Farmland in Denison for over 20+ years. He was a proud lifetime member of the Manning V.F.W. Post 3517 which was a testament to his commitment to his fellow veterans. Additionally, his devotion to his faith was unwavering, as he was a longtime member at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hanover Township, Charter Oak where he volunteered on the church counsel. Richard passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023, attaining the age of 90 years, 9 months, and 8 days. His kindness, generosity, and dedication to family and country are attributes that will be remembered fondly by all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Helen Boell; wife, Margaret Boell; two grandchildren: Bruce Boell and Jessica Boell; brothers: Louis (Lucille) Boell, his twin brother, Robert (Ruth) Boell, and Kenneth (Cherryl) Boell; and brother-in-law, Jon Muenchow. Survivors include his children: Mary and her husband Dave Bruck of Denison, Andy Boell and his significant other Melissa of Council Bluffs, Alan Boell and his significant other Gina of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Mike Boell of Oakland, Nebraska, and Lynette Reeder and her husband Ronnie of Kearney, Missouri; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren with another great-grandson on the way; and 1 great-great-granddaughter; sister, Ella Mae Muenchow of Arcadia; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Services were held 10:30 AM, Wednesday January 3, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover Township, Charter Oak, Iowa with Rev. Richard Merrill officiating. Organist Karen Kahl provided accompaniment for congregational hymns "Just As I Am," "On Eagle's Wings" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Serving as honorary pallbearers were Jamie Riesselman, Jason Schmidt, Alan Boell, Darren Bruck, Aaron Boell, Jesse Boell, Nathan Bruck, Ryan Boell, Michael Boell II and Caden Boell. Serving as pallbearers were the Schleswig VFW Post 3930 and the Schleswig American Legion Post 645. Interment was in the Morgan Cemetery in Schleswig, Iowa with Military Honors provided by the Manning VFW Post 3517, Schleswig VFW Post 3930, Schleswig American Legion Post 645 and Iowa Army Honor Guard. Following the burial, the family invited everyone to return to the church for a time of fellowship and lunch. Services were entrusted to the Huebner Funeral Home.