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Gerald Clark Boeckner
August 18, 2026
Gerald Clark Boeckner was born to Aaron and Gertrude (Holdeman) Boeckner on September 14, 1938 in Newton, Kansas. He peacefully passed away with his family surrounding him, due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis, on August 15, 2026, in his home at Oakwood, reaching the age of 87 years.
His schooling was received at the French School in rural Moundridge, Kansas. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Minister Frank Wenger on December 18, 1949, at Hesston, Kansas and stayed true to the faith. He had a positive outlook on life and taught us by example that “in acceptance there is peace”. His last encouragement to us all was to be faithful to the end.
In 1960 Dad went to Roseburg, Oregon for 1W Service. Dad was married to our mom, Thelma Harms, on December 29, 1963 in Walnut Hill, Florida, by her father, Minister Harry Harms. They lived at Hesston, Kansas until they went to the mission in Mexico for two special years. Upon returning they spent a short time in Leland, Mississippi before moving to Walnut Hill, Florida. There they raised their four children on the family farm. In their later years they treasured the eight summers spent helping their family in Alaska. In March of 2025 they moved to Brooksville, Mississippi to an apartment at Oakwood. He loved and appreciated the friendship and wonderful care he experienced there. A heartfelt thank you to the Family and Staff of Oakwood.
Dad was known for his sense of humor and teasing ways. We can all recite his standard greetings and quotes and he never seemed to run out of interesting replies. He didn’t know a stranger and his genuine interest in each person endeared him to many. He was generous to everyone with his time.
Dad’s mechanical ingenuity at times seemed limitless and his talent for fixing things was known far and wide. We’re thankful he passed down this gift to his family. His grandchildren had complete faith that Grandpa could fix anything and many broken toys found their way to his shop to be mended. Many phone calls were made for help in making something work.
Dad wasn’t perfect but had strong convictions and lived a steady, quiet life. We didn’t question where he stood and there was security in that. Dad truly listened and we all went to him for advice. He didn’t always have answers, but had a way of helping us see the whole picture.
Those left to cherish precious memories are his wife Thelma, children Kerry and Kristine Boeckner, Harrisburg, AR; Teresa and Arlen Mininger, Grant, AL; Amy and Cliff Dejax, Soldotna, AK; Sara and Sheldon Schneider, Davisville, FL; 16 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Four sisters: Vada Schmidt, JoAnn Powell, Rose and Paul Toews, Lois and Fred Decker; two brothers: Weldon and Lois, Dennis & Eileen; one brother-in-law, Ken Litwiller; William and Margaret Brandt; one sister-in-law, Ruth Benner and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Those gone before are twin grandsons, Lance and Lane; his parents and parents-in-law, one brother, four sisters, twelve brothers-in-law and seven sisters-in-law.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church in Walnut Hill, FL at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ben Koehn, Rev. Galen Harms and Rev. Rodney Harms officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church .
Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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