Gerald Andrew Boeckman, 90, of Hiawatha, Kansas, passed away September 30, 2026, at Mosaic Life Care. He was born June 6, 1936, in Kelly, Kansas, to Joseph and Johanna (Bokern) Boeckman.
Jerry attended school in Kelly, KS and after completing the eighth grade, began working to help support the family. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as an SP4.
After returning home, Jerry met Roselyn Koelzer, and they were married in 1958. The couple lived in Falls City, Nebraska, for a short time before moving to Hiawatha, where they made their home and raised their family. Jerry and Roselyn owned and operated W & W Shoes in downtown Hiawatha for 28 years before retiring in 1998.
Together, they raised four children: Robert (Jenny) Boeckman, Julie (Jim) Rieger, Connie (Eric) Schroeder, and Jim (Michelle) Boeckman. Jerry was blessed with 12 grandchildren, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Jerry had a love for restoring old tractors and especially enjoyed working on his own tractors. He took great pride in his home and acreage and enjoyed caring for and working around his property. These were among the things that brought him a great deal of satisfaction throughout his life. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, and 3rd Degree member in the Knight’s of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Roselyn, in 2016; and by his siblings, Beck Boeckman, Martha Hutfles, Bernice Smith, Helen Honeyman, Marcella Boeckman, and Lester Boeckman. He is survived by his brother, Ken Boeckman.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Hiawatha, KS. Father Michael Kantanka will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Seneca, KS.
Friends may call the funeral home after 10 a.m. Monday, October 5. 2026 where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. with a family visitation to follow until 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Ann’s Catholic Church or the Purple Heart Mural Project which may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home at 124 S. 7th St., Hiawatha, KS 66434.
Special remembrances may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.
