Melvin Donald Boeke

Melvin Donald Boeke, 94, passed away peacefully at the Hubbard Care Center on Aug. 5, 2021. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the Hubbard Golf and Recreation Club in Hubbard. Burial will be in the Hubbard Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at the Boeke Funeral Home in Hubbard.

For more information and online condolences go to: www.boekefuneralhomes.com. Boeke Funeral Home of Hubbard is caring for Melvin and his family.

Melvin Donald Boeke was born to William Carl and Augusta (Denker) Boeke on Nov. 28, 1926, in Hubbard, Iowa. He was raised on a farm 4 ½ miles south of Hubbard, along with four brothers and two sisters. 

Upon graduation from Hubbard High School in 1944, Melvin enlisted in the Navy and served for two years. After returning home, he worked for his brother-in-law, Irvin Stole. Then he was employed for one year with Boeke Produce.

On Dec. 3, 1947, he married Doris Oberhokamp at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hubbard. They went on to raise three daughters and a son. After their marriage, they moved to the Gus Lehmeier farm where they lived for five years. They then moved to the Henry Arensmeier and Ernest Beaupain farm for six years. Due to a back injury, Melvin was no longer able to farm. He then bought the Hubbard Implement from L. T. Hubbard on Aug. 18, 1958. After 33 years in business, he retired in 1991.

Mel and Doris were blessed with many memorable trips together and 30 plus years wintering in Palm Springs, Calif. He loved golf. Doris and Mel played in many couple tournaments, and he was a huge supporter of the Men’s League at the Hubbard Golf Course. He also cheered on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings and also loved watching old Westerns on T.V.

Mel loved his community and church, serving on many boards and was very active in the community through the years. Mel and Doris rarely missed any sport or school activities of the kids and grandkids. They were their greatest fans. He was proud to have been part of the American Legion and marched with the Color Guard for 74 years. He was blessed to have had the opportunity to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Melvin is survived by his children, Sandra (Terry) Cowell of Ankeny, Iowa, Peggy (David) Dreier of Sandpoint, Idaho, Rita (Tim) Dreier and Monty (Karen) Boeke of Hubbard, Iowa; nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, parents, four brothers and two sisters.