Donald O. Boeser

Donald Oscar Boeser, age 89 of Aviston, IL, born February 1, I936, in Highland, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 3, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, IL surrounded by his loving family.

Donald “Don” was a “Jack of All trades”; during his life, he had many careers. Right out of high school, he was a buffalo herder, a true cowboy, and a farrier. He then enlisted in the army, where he was a welder, safety inspector, maintenance worker, gunsmith, gun dealer, and truck driver. He loved working with his hands and passing on his knowledge to others. Don enjoyed reading, hunting, playing cards, and spending time with his grandkids. Don loved family events and gatherings and any opportunity to socialize and play cards. Don was a true patriot and had a deep love for his country.

Don proudly served the United States Army, where he patrolled during the construction of the Berlin Wall as part of the 34th Armored Division as a specialist 4th class from March 1960 to April 1962. He later had the pleasure of joining Honor Flight #9 through the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois on October 4th, 2022.

Some of Don’s strongest attributes were his love of Family, Friends, God, and Country. Don was a faithful member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston, Illinois. He was also a Knight of Columbus, NRA member, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, past Teamster and Assistant Boy Scout Leader. His ability to care for others was proven with the giving of his time and talent to others and the positive impact he left behind with his words of wit and wisdom.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mildred (Dubach) Boeser, brother David Boeser, and son Allan Boeser.

Don is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Huelsmann) Boeser, whom he married on April 27, 1963, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Aviston, IL. Don was a devout Catholic and husband. They shared almost 62 years of building a family focused on faith, love, and charity. Their love and commitment to each other are evident in all that they did together.

Don also leaves behind a legacy with four children: Ronald and his wife Shawn from Aviston, IL, Daniel and his wife Jeriann from Aviston, IL, Kenneth and his wife Danielle from Jacksonville Beach, FL, and Lynn (Boeser) Hall and her husband Eric from Lebanon, IL; 7 grandchildren (Jared, Kelsey, Sarah, Mary, Benjamin, Nolan and Delaney) and five great grandchildren (Addison, Aubrie, Mallorie, Briar and Hadley). His family was the center of his life and focus. His post-retirement activities included spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including hunting, card playing, puzzles, coloring, board games, attending sports activities, and related events. With each new memory, Don brought wisdom, joy, and happiness to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His smile, kindness, and humility will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his sisters: Betty (Ray) Svoboda of Edwardsville, IL; Carol (Rich) Markus of Trenton, IL, Jeanie and Jerry Wieter of Trenton, IL; and brother Butch and Gerri Boeser of Warrenton, MO; along with 100’s of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. 

May our dear father be blessed with eternal love and peace. We will forever love and miss you.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at Nordike Funeral Home in Aviston and again on Friday from 9:00 until 9:45 AM at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston, with Fr. Von Deeke officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Aviston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made in honor of Don Boeser to: Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois at www.veteranshonorflight.org or Mater Dei High School, Breese Illinois.