William Robert Boehm

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Frederick Boehm and Lois Violet (Knapp) Boehm; sisters Carol (Don) Stanton and Judy (Jon) Douglas. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Julia (Charles) DeDelva.

Surviving are his sisters, Monita (Randy) Bowers and Linda (Ray) Johnson; wife of 41 years, Sandy (Meinerding) Boehm; daughters Laura Bradford, Amy (Steve) Myers, Lynn Meinerding, Lori (Greg) DeVries, Kelly Meinerding, and Melinda Boehm. Bill is survived by 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

Bill was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany as a SP4 from 1958–1960. Following his military service, Bill worked for International Harvest for 22 years. He then started the J & B Railroad Tie business on Clinton St. in FW with his brother-in-law Ray Johnson before taking it over solo. He retired after many years, but never really slowed down.

Bill was happiest outdoors. Some of his favorite places were Copper Harbor, Michigan, Colorado, and Arizona. He loved searching for Native American artifacts and rocks, hiking mountain trails, spending time on "the property" and cheering on his kids, grands and great grands at sporting events. At the same time, he always had something he was working on. Whether he was on his Bobcat raising his daughters in the bucket to trim trees or pulling out just about any tree standing upright, there was always something he thought needed his attention. Over the years, he transformed "the property" into something family often said looked more like a state park than a backyard. One of his proudest creations was the “SuperDigger,” his homemade tree-pulling machine.

It wasn't unusual for Bill to climb into his Bobcat and stay there all day. Sandy often had to practically drag him inside at six o’clock each evening so they could eat dinner together. Many evenings ended with the two of them watching Gunsmoke or Wagon Train before calling it a night. Along the way there were a few adventures, including getting the Bobcat stuck in the swamp and, on one memorable occasion, tipping it over and needing Billy to come to the rescue.

Bill’s favorite times were spent with Sandy. Together they explored Arizona, slept under the stars in their truck, enjoyed golfing, worked on countless puzzles, sat around campfires with family, and made memories that would last a lifetime. They also enjoyed renting side-by-sides with Sandy’s sister, Cheri, and her husband, Mike. Of all the places he traveled and all the adventures he pursued, his greatest joy was sharing them with Sandy.

Family was the center of Bill’s world. Bill and Sandy’s home was often the gathering place for their large and growing family. Holidays, celebrations, weddings, birthdays, cookouts, and countless family gatherings brought generations together under one roof. There was always room for one more, whether family by birth or family by friendship. Even with the "organized chaos", he loved the laughter and stories that came with a house full of family.

Bill formed countless friendships that became family. During the pandemic, they played virtual games of Sequence with friends - Jackie, John, Wendi, and Billy, staying connected even when they couldn't be together in person.

Bill was also known as a master storyteller. Every story came complete with every detail and side note that made it worth telling. Family and friends often smiled as his stories unfolded, knowing a two-minute story could easily become a thirty-minute one once Bill got going. He was a jokester by nature, loved making others laugh, and was always ready with a playful comment or to break into “Nationwide is on your side.”

Though our hearts are broken by his loss, we take comfort in knowing that Bill lived life to the fullest. We will miss his stories, his jokes, his inventions, and the way he could turn even the simplest conversation into a memorable tale. Most of all, we will miss the love, laughter, and steady presence he brought to our lives.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.