Theodore Ralph Boecker

Theodore Ralph Boecker, 69, passed away peacefully at his home, Monday, January 30, 2017, from complications of ALS. Ted was born in 1947, and grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. He enjoyed working at his parents' family pharmacy, Boecker Drug, while attending Dowling High School - where he excelled at track. Ted attended Creighton University, where he met his wife, Sharon. He graduated from Creighton University in 1970, and returned to Des Moines to attend Drake Law School. After graduating from law school in 1973, Ted joined the Iowa Attorney General's Office, serving there until 1979. He then entered private practice, and enjoyed a long and distinguished career in real estate law, as a partner at the Petosa, Petosa, & Boecker law firm.

Ted and his wife of 47 years, Sharon, have five children and nine grandchildren. Ted devoted his life to his family, never missing his kids' sporting events or activities. He was a long-time avid golfer, who in recent years was able to play Pebble Beach and St. Andrews. Ted also enjoyed attending Iowa Hawkeye football games with his family and friends for more than 40 years. Some of his favorite places to visit were the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Southern California.

Ted is survived by his wife, Sharon; three sons, Ted Jr. (Candice), Tom, and Tim (Nicky); two daughters, Meredith (Andy) Garman and Diana (Kyle) Veenstra; and nine grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Timmy, Tyler, Elizabeth, Teddy III, Samantha, Cullen, Thomas and Eleanor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Olive; and sister, Jeanne Major.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2017 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines followed by a vigil at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with burial following at Glendale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the ALS Association Iowa Chapter, the Iowa Paralyzed Veterans of America, or Dowling Catholic High School.

His family would like to thank all those who helped care for Ted, especially Dr. Susan Espeland M.D., Dr. Matthew Trump D.O., Dr. Andrew Stevenson D.O., Stevie Marshall, LPN, the ALS Clinic team of the Des Moines VA, and the UnityPoint Respiratory Therapy team.