Robert Boehnke

    Robert A. Boehnke, 74, of Clear Lake, died Monday, April 9, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.
    Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 14 at St. John’s Lutheran Church east of Garner, Iowa with the Rev. Carl Hedberg officiating.  Burial was in the church cemetery with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.  Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

    Robert Arthur Boehnke, the son of Arthur and Lillian (Hollatz) Boehnke, was born June 12, 1937 at Garner.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  Robert graduated from Garner High School in 1956 and served his country in the U.S. Army.  Following his honorable discharge he returned to Garner and farmed with his brothers, Philip and Mark for over 40 years.  On March 1, 1969 he married Karen Legler at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City.  They lived on a farm near Garner until 1990 when they moved to Clear Lake.  Robert enjoyed fishing off their dock and sunny days in his chair out in the garage. Robert and Karen loved traveling together especially trips to Leavenworth, Wash., exploring with his sister and brother-in-law, and spending part of their winters in Florida.
    Robert was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where he served on the church cemetery board.  He also served on several boards in the area including Federal Land Bank, Farmer’s Co-op in Garner and the Beef Producers Association.
    Robert is survived by his wife, Karen, of Clear Lake; daughter, Laurie (Randy) Garnas of Harris, Minn.; grandchildren, Renee (Justin) Forde, Ryan (Holly Mayland) Ruter and Shanell Ruter; great-grandchildren, Ashlynn Forde, Hayden Forde and Bentley Ruter; three brothers, Philip C. (Sharon) Boehnke of Garner, Mark A. (Roseann) Boehnke of Garner and Dale W. (Annette) Boehnke of Lewisville, Texas; a sister, Ruth (Carl) Chiko of Vancouver, Canada; and many nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his parents.