Warren James Boe

Warren J. Boe, emeritus professor of Management Sciences at the University of Iowa, died on Saturday, June 14, 2025 after suffering a fall, he was 86 years old. Warren was born on November 22, 1938 to Everett Boe and Mae Jacobson Boe in Austin, Minnesota. He was the valedictorian of his class at Adams High School in Adams, MN, where he played football and the tuba and was a very dedicated Boy Scout. He graduated from Luther College in 1960 with a degree in Mathematics and married his college sweetheart, Maryellen Amundson Boe (BA, Luther College '61), in 1961. Warren went on to earn an MS in Mathematics from Iowa State and a Ph.D in Management Science from Purdue University.
During his career in academia, Warren taught at Ohio University, Valparaiso University, Purdue University, the University of Florida and the University of Iowa. Warren served as professor of Management Science at the University of Iowa from 1970 until his retirement from the Tippie School of Business in 2012. During his career, Warren's area of focus was the application of information technology to business, particularly in connection with improving the efficiency of logistical networks, manufacturing processes and inventory management. He especially loved advising and working with graduate students. He mentored hundreds of Ph.D candidates, launched numerous careers and has a network of grateful and loyal students all over the world. During his time at the University of Iowa he also served on the Board of the Daily Iowan, the Lutheran Campus Ministry and was Chairman of the Management Sciences department for many years. He was a valued and dedicated colleague, a great friend and, above all else, a teacher.
He loved traveling with Maryellen, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and being active in a number of groups. He especially treasured Zion Lutheran Church and he served the church in a variety of roles during his 55 years as a congregant, including serving on numerous committees, leading adult bible study groups, ushering, and being Director of Finance.
Warren is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maryellen Boe of Iowa City, and two sons, Randall Boe of New York, NY and Dr. Erik Boe (Anne) of Bloomington, IL. He has five grandchildren: Katherine Heuck (Samuel), of Boston, MA, Meredith Norwood (James) of Bloomington, IL, Alex Boe (Cori) of Madison, WI, Matthew Boe of Norfolk, VA and Claire Boe of Chapel Hill, NC, and three beautiful great-grandchildren: Oskar, Isla and Robert.
Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City, with the funeral to follow at 11:00 am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Shelter House of Iowa City.