Roger W. Boomgaarden

ROGER WAYNE BOOMGAARDEN was born on December 1, 1950 to Oscar Clarence and Amanda Meta (Hellwinckel) Boomgaarden in Pipestone where he was raised and attended school through the 11th grade. He received his GED later in life. In 1966, Roger’s dad died and by mom’s request, he began farming the land. He also purchased cows and began milking. Along with farming, he worked for Pan-O-Gold Bakery in Pipestone, stacking bread on racks and worked various jobs for neighboring farmers. During this time, he also was employed with Hanson Silo Company stacking staves. On December 22, 1991, Roger had a stroke, which lead to a kidney failure diagnoses. He received dialysis three times a week until September 1992 when his sister, Carol, donated him her kidney. In 2005, he and his mother moved to a house in Hardwick, Minnesota. Roger later suffered a severe stroke and became a resident of Ashton Care Center in Pipestone. A short time later, he and his mother moved into a house in Pipestone. Amanda preceded him in death in November 2010. Roger continued living in the house with the assistance of Pipestone Home and Health Services until September, 2015 when he was admitted to the Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In October, 2015, he moved to Colonial Manor in Balaton, Minnesota where he died peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2016 at the age of 65 years, one month and seven days.

Roger was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Trosky, Minnesota. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and his mother as he was very close to her. He appreciated friendships, especially with his great friend, Danny Moore. He simply enjoyed life and loved wearing a smile on his face no matter his life’s circumstance.

He is lovingly remembered by his brother, Clarence “Butch” (Melinda) of S. St. Paul, Minnesota and his sister, Carol (Ken) Mahin of Pipestone, Minnesota; two nephews; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by parents.