Henry William Boeckelman, 89, of rural Wellsville, passed away at 12:12 a.m., Thursday, April 7, 2016 at his home, with his loving family by his side.

Mr. Boeckelman was born April 29, 1926, in Middletown, Missouri, a son of Fredrick Gottlieb and Hilda Lena Emma (Blaue) Boeckelman.

He served his country in the United States Army, serving in World War II. Henry entered the service February 20, 1945 and was honorably discharged on December 21, 1946. He was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Independence Ribbon and the Lapel Button.

On October 15, 1954, in Senatobia, Mississippi, he married Viola Marie Rentfro. They were married over 57 wonderful years together before she preceded him in death on September 18, 2012.

Henry and Viola had lived on their farm in rural Wellsville since 1954, moving into the new house on the farm in 1970.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Wellsville.

Henry was a lifelong farmer, raising beef cattle and hogs. He was also a logger.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved being in the woods. He enjoyed logging and cutting wood, mushroom hunting and picking blackberries. He also liked gardening. Henry especially liked reading and was faithful to read his Bible every day. He enjoyed going to sales. More than anything, Henry loved spending time with his family.

Henry is survived by his son, Brian William Boeckelman, of Middletown; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy Ann and Daryl Cobb, of Montgomery City; granddaughters, Natalie Faye Boeckelman and Jenelle Marie Boeckelman, of Middletown and Jessica Ann Cobb, of Montgomery City; sisters and brother-in-law, Joyce and Dick Pilliard, of Middletown and Irene Kalmback, of Marlin, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Leroy and Jayne Boeckelman, of Chicago, Illinois; in addition to nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola Marie Boeckelman; son, Curtis Lee Boeckelman; daughter and son-in-law, Janet Fae and Dale Lynn Letterman; grandsons, William Willis Letterman and Allan Richard Cobb; parents, Fred and Hilda Boeckelman and sister, Evelyn R. Weilmuenster.

Visitation was held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 8, 2016 at the Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Wellsville. Rev. Keith Clow officiated. Serving as organist was Carrie Nelson.

Burial was in the Wellsville Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Dale Blaue, Clarence Deichman, Charlie Freie, Richard Ham, Jared Nelson and Herb Schnitker. Honorary pallbearers were Brent Rentfro and Bruce Weilmuenster.

Full Military Honors were provided by the Wellsville V.F.W. Post 3056. Missouri Military Funeral Honors Detail Team folded and presented the United States Flag to his children, Brian and Nancy.

Memorial contributions were suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice c/o Myers Funeral Home, 203 East Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.

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