Edward Earl Boger

Edward Earl Boger was born December 1, 1948 the son of Earl Norman and Berdena (Dena) Kollbaum in Ida Grove, IA. He attended school in Ida Grove.

Ed entered the U.S. Army in 1966 and served bravely in the Vietnam War from 1967-1969 earning a Purple Heart. He rose to the rank of Sergeant (E 5) and was honorably discharged in November 1972 at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX.  

In 1971 Ed married Paulette Knutson. They had one son, William (Bill) along with stepson Simón and stepdaughter, Imina from Paulette’s previous marriage. They lived in Storm Lake, IA; Ida Grove, IA; Kellogg, IA, Cherokee, IA, and Aurelia, IA. In 1984, Ed, Paulette, and son Bill moved to Las Vegas for a mechanic job opportunity joining cousin Larry Johnson in Nevada. While in Las Vegas, Ed suffered a severe back injury on the job. Ed and Paulette returned to Cherokee after her retirement in 2005 to be closer family including their grandchildren.

Working years as a diesel mechanic, Ed was passionate about engines and cars. Later he devoted his time to restoring his 1968 Dodge Polara convertible and attending local car shows. He enjoyed talking about his car and showing it off driving his granddaughters around town with the top down.

Ed also took great pride in his military service in the U.S. Army. An advocate for veterans’ recognition and support, he was an active member of the VFW Post 2253 in Cherokee serving as the Post Commander until 2020. He loved serving in the color guard and cherished the opportunity to honor his fallen brothers and sisters in arms with the American flag display at the cemetery for Memorial Day. He was disappointed when his health no longer allowed him to participate in these events. Never able to fulfill his dream of visiting the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., he was truly moved when the traveling memorial came to Cherokee in 2017.

Ed died Sunday, December 25, 2022 in his home in Cherokee, IA. Preceding Ed in death was father Earl, wife Paulette, brother Norman, and son Tracy Dean Lautenschlager.

Survivors include: mother Dena Nemitz of Denison, IA, sister Vicki Hember of Cherokee, IA, brother Kennneth (& Connie) Boger of Ida Grove, IA;  children Bill (& Jenny) Boger of Cherokee, stepson Simón (& Barbara) Boger of Henderson, NV, and stepdaughter Imina (& Kris) Oftedahl of Woodbury, MN.  Also surviving are three grandchildren Megan Boger, Dallas (& Katie) Boger, and Olivia Oftedahl, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

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INTERMENT