Kay Earlene Boegner

1942 - 2025

Kay Earlene Boegner (née Francis), age 82, passed away on Oct. 20, 2025, just three days before her 83rd birthday.

Born on Oct. 23, 1942, in Fort Madison, Kay was the beloved daughter of Earl and Dorothy (Boyle) Francis. She was raised in Fort Madison and spent much of her life in her parents' home on Avenue G. A proud graduate of Fort Madison High School, Kay played the French horn and served as a majorette in the marching band.

Kay married Elmer John "E.J." Boegner on Oct. 29, 1960, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fort Madison. Together they had two children, Gregory Scott and Brenda Nicolle. While raising her family, Kay assisted with accounting for the family businesses-Boegner Grain Elevator in Niota, Illinois, and Boegner Seed & Supply in Fort Madison. She also found joy in community theater, playing golf on Thursdays, and performing with the Fort Madison Concert Band in Central Park's summer concerts.

In 1969, the family moved to Dallas, Texas, for E.J.'s career. Following their divorce in 1970, Kay remained in Dallas, where she pursued higher education in marine biology. She interned at the Environmental Protection Agency and later worked in cost accounting for a pharmaceutical company.

Kay and her children moved to Houston in 1974. There, she continued her studies at the University of Houston while working in accounting roles for small businesses. During this period, she became a certified scuba diving instructor, merging her love of the ocean with her adventurous spirit. She also volunteered on church mission trips to Mexico with Lakewood Church-experiences that deeply reflected her caring nature and faith.

In the early 1990s, Kay relocated to Denver, Colorado, where she worked in accounting for First Trust and later flourished at Bernard Haldane Associates as Public Relations Director. From 1997 to 2001, she managed marketing and communications, represented the firm at job fairs, and served as an ambassador for both the Denver Metro and South Denver Chambers of Commerce. She went on to manage housewares and children's clothing departments as an area sales manager for Dillard's from 2003 to 2006.

Kay returned to Texas in 2009 to be closer to her daughter Brenda and grandchildren. She worked in several office management positions, but her greatest joy came from volunteering as a tour guide at Sea Center Texas, where she shared her passion for marine life with children and visitors alike.

Kay will be remembered for her boundless energy, love of learning, quick wit, and zest for life. She brought enthusiasm to every endeavor and touched countless lives with her warmth and curiosity.

She is survived by her son, Gregory Scott Boegner of Vilamoura, Portugal; her daughter, Brenda Nicolle (Boegner) Parker of Lake Jackson, Texas; grandchildren Briana (Wells) Farris, Ashlyn (Parker) Rodriguez, and Pierce Parker; and great-grandchildren Alanna, Kimber and Lola Farris. She is also survived by her cousin Jonathan J. Boyle, Sr. of Springfield, Mo.