Justin Boeker

Longtime Toledoan Justin Robert Boeker passed away on January 15, 2023 just two months shy of his 105th birthday. Justin was born at home on March 14,1918 in Edwardsville, Illinois. Justin and his mother spent the first few months of his life on her family's farm during the Spanish flu epidemic, while his father attended cavalry basic training for World War I.

Justin graduated from the University of Illinois Phi Beta Kappa in 1940 with one of its first ceramic engineering degrees. He was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity and worked on the Daily Illini newspaper. Although tuition was $35 a semester; Justin had a full academic scholarship.

After college, Justin went to work for a start-up company called Owens-Corning Fiberglas. While working in the Newark, Ohio plant, he met his wife, Margaret Whiteford, on a blind date. After a private wedding ceremony, Madge had to return to her nursing school dormitory for the night.

While working in Newark, Justin was part of the team that developed Owens-Corning's now famous pink insulation. He often told the story of how that color was chosen. Justin, Madge, and their four children moved to Toledo in 1967 when Justin joined the international division of Owens-Corning. He loved traveling the world and was a Pan Am Airways two million-mile flier. Madge preceded him in death in 2002. Justin continued to live in Toledo until recently moving in with his children.

Justin is survived by his four loving children, their spouses/partners, nine grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. He was awaiting the spring 2023 birth of his first great-great grandchild.

A celebration of Justin's life will be held at Justin's longtime church, Olivet Lutheran Church, 5840 Monroe St, Sylvania, Ohio on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, his 105th birthday. The family will receive visitors starting at 10 am, followed by the church service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 or online at www.lifecare.org.