Boelman, Thomas D. (1947 - 2007)

BOELMAN, KAPPEL, MILLER, DEBOER, ARNOLD, BECKER

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 8/14/2013 at 13:34:05

Thomas Duane Boelman - Age 59

Thomas "Tom" Boelman was born on September 2, 1947, in Aplington, Iowa to George and Anna (Kappel) Boelman. He attended Ackley grade school and Ackley-Geneva High School, graduating with the Class of 1965. He continued his education at Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls, Iowa before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served in Vietnam before being honorably discharged from the service in 1970.

Tom started with Farmland Foods in 1970 at the Iowa Falls facility as a Production employee. Over the years, he worked his way up to Plant Engineer. In 1993, Tom accepted a position at the Denison plant as a Corporate Project Engineer and the family moved to Harlan, Iowa. He remained with Farmland his entire career and was honored in 2006 for thirty-five years of service.

Tom was united in marriage on December 5, 1970, to Christine Miller. Two children were born to this union: Nicole and Ryan. Tom enjoyed the outdoors and spent a lot of time with his family, fishing and enjoying nature. He also loved to grill and smoke different kinds of meats. He was a member of Audubon County Conservation Club, NRA, and the Elliott-Keninger Legion Post in Ackley, Iowa.

Tom’s life revolved around his family, his work, and nature. He was a very honest and dependable person and he will be remembered mostly as someone who always made those around him better. Tom had an unwavering ability to show he cared about others. His coworkers throughout the company knew Tom by his personality and positive attitude.

Tom died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, having attained the age of fifty-nine years, five months, and five days. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Anna Boelman, and his sister, Mary Ann DeBoer.

Tom is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Christine Boelman of Harlan, Iowa; his daughter, Nicole and her husband Vance Arnold and their son Eli of Harlan; his son Ryan Boelman of Fremont, Nebraska, and his close special friend Mary Becker of Omaha, Nebraska, other family members, and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa with Pastor Heather Ploen and Pastor Steve Chellew. Serving as casket bearers were Wesley Poley, John Knipfel, Jeff Bottjen, Rick Henry and Mark Bazis. Military Grave side Rites were held by the Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150, Ackley American Legion Post No. 252 and the Shelby County VFW Post No. 941. Interment was held in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, Iowa.

Source: pauleyjones.com (Pauley Jones Funeral Home)
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