Vincent H. Boland

RAPID CITY - Vincent H. Boland, descendent of Irish immigrants and a proud Irishman, passed away Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, at the age of 98 at Fountain Springs Nursing Home under Hospice Care.

He was born Aug. 2, 1912, near Caputa to Lue Cynthia (Kildew) and Patrick Henry Boland. His mother gave birth to him while working in her garden.

He attended school in Caputa and as a young man worked for his father on the Milwaukee Railroad. In 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, Company A, 727th Railway Operating Battalion serving in Central Europe, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France and Rhineland. He was honorably discharged in 1945. After returning from the service, he trained as a baker and worked at Homecraft Bakery.

He married Edna (Rasmussen) Kingsbury in 1946. Vince worked as a civil servant with the U.S. Post Office in Rapid City until his retirement. If you were on his mail route, not only did he remember your name, but could give your street address, even at the age of 98. After retiring they enjoyed winters in Arizona until Edna's death in 1986.

In 1990 Vince married Kathleen (Judson) Carr. Throughout the years, Vince enjoyed dancing, woodworking, gardening, fishing, hunting and most of all spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Little children and dogs always brought a smile to his face. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan even choosing a nursing home depending on whether or not his baseball package was available so he could watch the Braves. He was a 59-year member of the American Legion Post 0303 Hermosa.

Vince is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his daughter, Patty Deeg, son-in-law, Larry, granddaughters Kristin (Joe) Regan and Karin (Eddie) Wommack and great-grandchildren Sarah and Vincent. Also grateful to have been part of his life are Kathleen's children, Lorraine (Dave) Schleuning, Peggy (Dean) Mills, June Beliveau, Judy Carr and Wes Carr (Kathleen); five more grandchildren; five more great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

His parents; wife, Edna; and his six brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from

5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. wake service today at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Brian Lane celebrating. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Rapid City Boy's and Girl's Club.

Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.behrenswilson.com.