David J. Boekelman

Memorial service for David Boekelman will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St Paul Lutheran Church in Lakota. The Memorial service will be livestreamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services' Facebook page. Inurnment will be held at St Paul Lutheran Cemetery following the memorial service. Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7:00 PM on Friday, January, 30, 2026 at St Paul Lutheran Church in Lakota.

David Jerry Boekelman was born on April 26, 1938, in German Valley, Iowa, to Jerry and Emma (Fritz) Boekelman. He attended Titonka High School and graduated with the Class of 1956.

Throughout high school and after graduation, David worked for Henry Plaisier at Hank's Repair Shop where he developed his lifelong mechanic and welding skills. This foundation, coupled with his strong work ethic, shaped his career for decades to come.

On February 14, 1960, David was united in marriage to Ilona Hertzke at St. Paul Lutheran Church. From their union, five children were born. The couple made their home in Lakota, where David was employed as a mechanic at Ley Motor Company. He worked at Ley's until December of 1965.

In January of 1966, David and Ilona purchased Hilmer Hanson's DX Gas Station in Lakota. David operated the business while continuing his mechanic work and selling gas and oil products. In 1977, he expanded the operation by adding a new repair shop. In October of 1983, David and Ilona opened Bucky's, a restaurant and recreation center, which served the community until its closing in August of 1987. The business continued to evolve, and in July of 1988, the station was remodeled to include a grocery and convenience store. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Lakota Fire Department for many years. David remained involved in his work until his retirement in 2007.

In his free time, David loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed gardening and camping, finding joy in the outdoors. He played slow pitch softball and enjoyed racing stock cars with his brother-in-law. David was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lakota. Above all, he will be remembered with a smile on his face, finding his greatest joy in making others laugh with his playful spirit and easygoing heart.

David died Monday, January 26, 2026, at United Hospital District in Blue Earth, Minnesota. He was 87.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ilona Boekelman of Lakota; his children, Randy (Peggy) Boekelman of Lakota, Myron (Judy) Boekelman of Lakota, Gregory (Amy) Boekelman of Lakota, Denise (Bradley) Engelby of Ledyard, and Sheila (Roy) Gelhaus of Forest City; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marcella Weaver of Prairieville, LA, Diana (Jim) Kiewiet Buffalo Center, Marilyn (Roger) Evans of Burt, and Joyce (Reg) Schutjer of Titonka. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Jerry and Emma Boekelman; parents-in-law, Raymond and Pearl Hertzke; sister, LaVonne Pries; and brothers-in-law Keith Pries and Robert Weaver; sister-in-law, Karen Hertzke and nephew, Doug Weaver.