Boetger, Craig LeRoy 1952-2014

BOETGER, BLISS, NEMMERS

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/19/2015 at 21:58:16

Craig LeRoy Boetger, 62, of Omaha, Neb., and formerly of Akron and Le Mars, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at his home in Omaha.

Craig was born on Jan. 24, 1952, in Akron, to Arden and Bernice (Bliss) Boetger. He was baptized and confirmed in the Westfield Congregational Church.

In 1970 he graduated from Akron-Westfield High School where he was active in music and theater. Following high school, Craig attended Westmar College in Le Mars, and Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville.

Craig married Anna Nemmers in Le Mars on Feb. 23, 1974. Craig spent the majority of his life living in Le Mars with his family and moved to Omaha following his wife's passing in 2007.

Craig began his career as a florist at an early age by opening a floral shop in his home town of Akron. He went on to own several well-known floral shops in Le Mars and Sioux City including Floral Magic and Flowers by Craig.

Craig also made his mark at several other floral shops including Flowers by Fisher in Sioux CIty, Bartel Floral and Originals by Design in Le Mars, and Baker's and Piccolo's Florist in Omaha.

As a Nebraska Master Florist and active member of the Nebraska Association of Floral Designers, his floral and creative talent did not go un-recognized. In 2009, he won first place in the Nebraska Florist Society's Premiere Competition and went on to compete in the Sylvia Design Competition held in California.

His amazing ability to transform flowers into art set the stage for countless weddings and events, and honored many at their passing.

Craig was a active member of St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. He taught CCD for many years and enjoyed decorating the altar.

He was involved with the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce and was on the Plymouth County Historical Museum board.

His love of the performing arts stayed with him into his adult life. He performed and directed in several plays with the Ye Olde Opera House in Akron, the Le Mars Community Theatre, and the Sioux City Theatre. After his move to Omaha, he continued to share his time and creative talents with many community and charitable organizations.

When not working or volunteering his time, Craig could be found decorating his home, working in the yard and garden, antiquing, teaching floral design and spending time with his family, friends and two dogs Gidget and Magoo.

Survivors include his two children, Cari (Ted) Masuen, of Lakeville, Minn., and TJ (Jill) Boetger, of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Alyssa, Morgen, Camille, Zavier and Greyson; mother, Bernice Boetger; siblings, Marci (Jeff) Indahl and Kevin (Shari Centermore) Boetger; and many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Craig was preceded in death by his father, Arden, and his wife, Anna.

A private service and burial have been planned. Craig will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars.

Le Mars Daily Sentinel
Friday, September 5, 2014
Le Mars, Iowa