Ray Earl Boege, 93 of Reinbeck passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital in Grundy Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Reinbeck Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the Reinbeck American Legion Action Post #242. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2012 at the French-Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Ray was born on March 20, 1919 in Reinbeck, Iowa at the family farm home in Grant Township. He was the son of Hans and Mary (Barfels) Boege. Ray graduated from Reinbeck High School with the class of 1936. Ray served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He served 4 years in European Campaign and upon his honorable discharge returned to Iowa. Ray was united in marriage to Marlys S. Rohweder on October 11, 1948 at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ parsonage. Together they welcomed three children into their family.
Ray and his brother Harvey farmed the family farm together until Harvey's retirement at the age of 62. Ray continued to farm until his own retirement in 1983. In 1998 Ray and Marlys moved into town and enjoyed many happy years on Randall Street. They moved to Westview Estates in 2004 where Ray enjoyed socializing with all of his friends.
Ray was a very active member of the Union Congregational United Church of Christ. He served the church as a Deacon, Trustee, a leader of a Jr. High youth group and belonged to the Merry Makers. Ray and Marlys enjoyed their social get-togethers with eleven couples and his brother Harvey. They met once a month for 60 years and were known as "The Gang."
Ray loved to fish, camp and play cards with his grandchildren. He enjoyed puzzles, the outdoors and loved being a farmer. In August of 2010 Ray was very proud to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.
Ray is survived by his wife Marlys; his children Leonard (Lucy) Boege of Cedar Falls, IA, Merlyn Boege of Anita, IA and Janet (David) Vobr of Waverly, IA; 11 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 6 sisters and daughter-in-law Susan Boege.