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Theodore Boecker Obituary
Des Moines
Ted Boecker, 69, passed away peacefully at his home, Monday, January 30, 2017, from complications of ALS. Ted was born in 1947, and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He enjoyed working at his parents' family pharmacy, Boecker Drug, while attending Dowling High School - where he excelled at track. Ted attended Creighton University, where he met his wife, Sharon. He graduated from Creighton University in 1970, and returned to Des Moines to attend Drake Law School. After graduating from law school in 1973, Ted joined the Iowa Attorney General's Office, serving there until 1979. He then entered private practice, and enjoyed a long and distinguished career in real estate law, as a partner at the Petosa, Petosa, & Boecker law firm.
Ted and his wife of 47 years, Sharon, have five children and nine grandchildren. Ted devoted his life to his family, never missing his kids' sporting events or activities. He was a long-time avid golfer, who in recent years was able to play Pebble Beach and St. Andrews. Ted also enjoyed attending Iowa Hawkeye football games with his family and friends for more than 40 years. Some of his favorite places to visit were the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Southern California.
Ted is survived by his wife, Sharon; three sons, Ted Jr. (Candice), Tom, and Tim (Nicky); two daughters, Meredith (Andy) Garman and Diana (Kyle) Veenstra; and nine grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Timmy, Tyler, Elizabeth, Teddy III, Samantha, Cullen, Thomas and Eleanor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Olive; and sister, Jeanne Major.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2017 at McLaren's Chapel in West Des Moines followed by a vigil at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with burial following at Glendale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the ALS Association Iowa Chapter, the Iowa Paralyzed Veterans of America, or Dowling Catholic High School.
His family would like to thank all those who helped care for Ted, especially Dr. Susan Espeland M.D., Dr. Matthew Trump D.O., Dr. Andrew Stevenson D.O., Stevie Marshall, LPN, the ALS Clinic team of the Des Moines VA, and the UnityPoint Respiratory Therapy team.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Boecker
Sponsored by McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery.
Steve & MarySandra Foster
January 27, 2025
Today. we again remember cousins Ted, and Jeanne, and Aunt Olive and Uncle Ralph. Mary Sandra and I will say the Rosary for all of them this morning. Ted was someone who achieved much in his lifetime. We know he is safe and joyful in the presence of God, and the loving care of Our Lady, Notre Dame. We will see them all again, in Christ. On behalf of the entire Deane C. Foster Family, all our love and prayers, Steve & MarySandra Foster, Friends wood, Texas
Steve & MarySandra Foster
November 14, 2024
I remember playing billiards with cousin, Ted, in the basement of his parents home when I was young. As with so many things he did, he was very accomplished at that. Today, MarySandra and I will say the Rosary for cousin, Ted, his family, and all who love him. Because of the Sacrifice of the Savior, Jesus Christ, life is not ended, only beginning. We will see Ted again. All our love and prayers, Steve & MarySandra Foster, Friendswood, Texas
Steve & MarySandra Foster
January 27, 2023
Cousin, Teddy, is not forgotten by our family. He accomplished much in his life. I remember playing billiards with him in his basement when he visited Aunt Olive and Uncle Ralph. There is a fitting biblical verse that applies to cousin, Teddy: "The upright man walks in his integrity" (Proverbs 20:7). MarySandra and I will say the Rosary for Teddy and his family, and all who love him today. Because of the love of God, and the Resurrection, we will see our brother again. All our love and prayers, Steve & MarySandra Foster, Friendswood, Texas
Jack Serino
January 27, 2022
I will always remember my college roommate, fraternity brother and dear friend, Ted. May Sharon and family have peace in his memory.
Stephen & MarySandra Foster
January 27, 2019
As the 1 year anniversary of cousin, Teddy's, passing approaches, we are all thinking of him and all who love him. I have lost 3 people close to me from ALS in the past 5 years. We pray for a cure. I teach a catechumen class for kids studying to become Catholics: today, we will remember cousin Teddy in the opening prayer. Rest in peace. All our love and prayers, Cousin Steve Foster
Andy Garman
February 27, 2017
We lost an exceptional man this week. Ted Boecker was kind and funny, dedicated to his family and his Hawkeyes. We ate great food, drank great wine, and played many a round of golf together. Meredith's dad took us to experience Yellowstone, soak up the Southern California sun, and appreciate John Wayne movies.
ALS robbed him of his speech, then his mobility. But it never took his spirit. He showed us how to fight with everything he had and then some. He will be greatly missed by the whole family. I'm proud to have known him.
DeLana Duffy-Aziz
February 16, 2017
I wanted to express my sympathy to Ted's family. I saw his name listed in the "Memoriam" section of the Dowling Maroon Connection. I knew Ted 57 years ago, when we were both students at Christ the King grade school. I am glad that he had a fulfilling and successful life. I remember him as very intelligent and kind.
Cam Vint Scott
February 8, 2017
My sympathies to you all. I have many happy memories of times spent with Aunt Olive and Uncle Ralph in Des Moines, playing with the cousins (though Ted probably found little girl cousins to be pests).
May your warm memories bring you joy and comfort.
Mary Lovrien Kozola
February 7, 2017
Our thought and prayers are with Teddy's family. He is my first cousin, one of the Minnesota Lovriens. Teddys Mom and my Dad were brother/sister. I recall his family coming to Ellsworth to visit in the summer and it was always a special time.
Elmer Lovrien
February 7, 2017
I have fond memories of staying with Ted and his family for the summer back in 1963. Ted and I would golf weekly and go to a movie when I was off work. I was the cousin and a country bumpkin who was shown a good time by Ted in the big city of Des Moines. My condolences to the family. Cousin Elmer.
Steve & MarySandra Foster
February 7, 2017
Thanks to another cousin, I just learned today of cousin, Teddy's, passing. My Mom, Grace, was a sister of Olive's. I remember visiting them in Des Moines so many years ago, and playing billiards with Teddy in their basement.
He was a man of many achievements.
We had heard some time ago of his struggle with ALS, & have been praying for him.
There's a Biblical Scripture that gives us hope: "...and on that day, we shall see You, our God, as You really are. You will wipe away every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death, nor pain, nor suffering, for the old order will have passed away".
May the Blessed Mother bring Teddy to the Kingdom of eternal joy, and may the Lord God bless and comfort all who love him. Our prayers are surely with you! God's peace and love, Steve & MarySandra Foster, Friendswood, Texas
Patricia Lewiston
February 4, 2017
R.I.P. Teddy Boecker
February 4, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to your family. Very sorry for your loss.. I met my dad's cousin Ted when I was a little girl at my Great aunt and Great uncles, Beocker drug store. I am Ruth Lovrien Conner's grand daughter Patricia Jean Lewiston.
Jack Serino
February 4, 2017
Dear Sharon and family,
I send my condolences and prayers for your peace. Ted was my college brother and roommate with whom I shared many good times. I will always remember him fondly but I am saddened by his passing. Wishing you all the best.
John Seminara
February 4, 2017
Sharon, so sorry to hear about Ted.
There are so many good memories from college and many of them include him.
RIP Brother and Friend...... John & Teresa Seminara
Nicolas Campero
February 4, 2017
As Tim's best friend growing up I have a lot of fond memories of the Boecker household. Ted and Sharon always made me feel like a part of the family, sometimes for better or worse. I remember mama Boecker always constantly inundating mean with offers of food and drink and Ted always calmly saying "Sharon just leave him alone". My heart goes out to all of the family for the loss of a great man.
The Doherty Family
February 3, 2017
The The Boecker Family,
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Melodee Hoard
February 3, 2017
Boecker Family- It was an honor to have Ted as our Brother in Law. When we came to visit he was always a generous and gracious host. He was a kind and caring Uncle to our children with a smile that always made you feel welcome. He had a love for his Family that was beyond words. We will miss you Ted. Love Melodee and Kevin Hoard & Family
February 3, 2017
Boecker Family- I consider it an honor to have had Ted as my Brother in Law. When we came to visit he was always a generous and gracious host. He was always a kind and caring uncle to our children and a smile that always made you feel welcome. The love for his family was beyond words. We will miss you Ted. Love Melodee and Kevin Hoard & Family
Terry Brauch
February 2, 2017
I am a part time employee at Petosa. I didn't have a lot of contact with Ted but the times I did he was always very friendly. My deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Ted. I pray in time that God will give you the comfort you need to get through this difficult time.
Helen Zivkovich
February 2, 2017
Ted was just the sweetest person with me. He patiently endured our incessant girly giggling with Meredith and always had a warm smile. He made me feel like family. My deepest love and condolences to you
Jim and Cathy Buch
February 2, 2017
Sharon, Tom and family - We were so sorry to hear of Ted's passing. We always enjoyed our years spent together when Daron and Tom played football at Drake. We just wanted you to know you are all in our prayers.
Patrick McIlhon
February 2, 2017
Jeanne, let me extend my condolences to you and all of Ted's family at this time of grief. May Our Lord console you in His bosom..
Tom Biegger
February 2, 2017
Sharon and family, please accept my condolences for the loss of Ted. Enjoyed my time with him on the Catholic football board and watching the boys play for Dowling.
Luanne Frett
February 2, 2017
I, along with the Civil Division of the Polk County Courthouse, looked forward to seeing Ted every morning as he filed his foreclosures. He was the most pleasant, efficient and patient person and he was well respected by all. May God give you peace and strength as you go through this difficult time.
Angie Walker-Springer
February 2, 2017
Ted was one of the nicest attorneys I have ever had the honor to work with. His smile was contagious. Blessings to his family.
February 1, 2017
Meredith, Andy and Family, Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy. We love you guys! Amy and Chris Dow
Colleen Adams
February 1, 2017
Ted would walk through my office door and always have a smile that would brighten my day. He was a kind man and loved to tell me about his kids and grandkids. I am sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Ted made the courthouse a better place by his kind, gentle demeanor.
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McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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