Rolland David Boom

Rolland Boom, age 97, of Alexandria, Minnesota passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at his residence in Alexandria under hospice care.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Covenant Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Pastor Tim Shekleton officiating. Pianist will be Cheryl Shekleton with special music by Garrett Knettel.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening, August 24th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service and Time of Sharing at Bethlehem Covenant Church. Visitation will continue Friday morning one hour prior to service time at the church.

Interment will be in West Lakeside Cemetery, rural Wheaton. Pallbearers will be Rolland’s grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lyle Lupkes and Steve Kemp.

Rolland was born to Nels and Adeline (Hunt) Boom on January 21, 1926 in Minneapolis, MN.  He was baptized and was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wheaton, MN.  Rolland grew up working on the family farm and graduated from Wheaton High School.

On December 8, 1951 he married Eleanor Lois Olson of Breckenridge, MN.  They made their home in Wheaton, MN and had four children.   Rolland farmed with his brother Donald and family, did maintenance for the telephone company, and also worked as a mechanic.  Rolland and Eleanor separated and eventually ended their marriage.   Rolland met Alice Berg of Chokio, MN and they married on August 30th, 1986.   This marriage blessed Rolland with 5 stepchildren.  Rolland and Alice spent the rest of their years on Lake Latoka in Alexandria.

Rolland was a life-long farmer and preferred spending his time accomplishing things. He helped build numerous homes for himself and family members.   From his wood-working shop, he produced a bounty of beautiful, cherished gifts.    

He enjoyed bowling, puzzles, reading, cards, and simply looking out at the lake.   He surrounded himself with the beauty of his lawn, landscaping, and flowers.   He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was always ready to help fix something or help with a project. 

Rolland is survived by his four children: Vicky Boom of Rosholt, SD; Linda Boom of Inver Grove Hts; Jeff (Becky) Boom of Wheaton; and Kathy (Tom) Knettel of Sartell; five stepchildren: Nancy (Wayne) Jenzen of Alexandria; Jeff (Beverly) Berg of Brainerd; Jeanne (Kennie) Cauthren of Alexandria; Jim (Mary Ann) Berg of Sauk Rapids; and Barbara (John) Lewis of Belview; five grandchildren:  Jamie Clasemann; Brandie (Riley) Maanum; Brittany (Steve)Boom- Bohne; Garrett Knettel; and Cassidy Knettel; thirteen step grandchildren: Neil Jenzen, Alicia Lein, Trisha Pendill, Philip Berg, Rose Jubb, Ali Zeismer, Maggie Cauthren, Corey Baier, Kristopher Berg, Nicholas Berg, Andrea Schuster, Cody Kuester and Ben Kuester; seven great-grandchildren; and twelve step-great-grandchildren.

Rolland was preceded in death by his first wife Eleanor, his wife Alice, his parents Nels and Adeline Boom, his brother Donald (Elmyra) Boom, and sister Vyone (Marvin) Raguse.