Raymond R. Boeding

Raymond R. Boeding, who entered eternal life on December 10, 2025, was born on a hot August day on the prairie in Glad Valley, South Dakota, where his family had homesteaded in 1905 after emigrating from Germany. Raised among his six brothers and six sisters, Ray learned early the values of faith, family, and perseverance. He attended a one-room schoolhouse until fourth grade, when years of sandstorms, insect infestations, and failed crops forced the family from their farm. Through every hardship, Ray often spoke of how his mother’s steadfast faith guided the family forward.

In 1939, the family returned to West Point, Iowa, where Ray completed his education at St. Mary’s High School. After graduation, he worked at the Shafer Pen Company before being called to serve in the U.S. Army in 1950. He completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and served in the combat infantry during the Korean War. Ray carried a quiet sense of duty throughout his life, rooted in gratitude to God for bringing him safely home.

Following his military service, Ray attended the University of Iowa, earning a degree in accounting in 1956. During his college years, God’s providence brought him together with Joan Fitzgerald, the great love of his life. They were married on December 26, 1953, joining their lives in a sacrament that remained a source of joy, strength, and grace for nearly sixty years.

Ray worked for the Department of the Army at the Army Munitions and Chemical Command (AMCOM) as a financial analyst, retiring as a project manager. He and Joan raised their four children in Davenport before moving to rural Donahue, where Joan served as a school nurse in the North Scott schools. Their home was filled with faith, laughter, and a deep commitment to one another. Family vacations—to Green Lake, Wisconsin; to the South Dakota homestead; to Nebraska to visit relatives; and later to Sunrise Beach at the Lake of the Ozarks—became cherished times of togetherness and gratitude.

Outside of work and family life, Ray enjoyed the gifts of God’s creation through his many hobbies. He took great joy in gardening, tending to his plants with patience and care. He also found creativity in making wine and beer, sharing his homemade batches with friends and family. These activities brought him peace, purpose, and moments of simple delight.

Ray was deeply committed to his faith community. For many years he volunteered at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Long Grove, Iowa, offering his time and talents to support parish events, building projects, and the daily needs of the church he loved. His quiet service was a reflection of his humble spirit and deep devotion.

Ray is survived by three of his children: Mike and his family of Houston, Texas; Donald and his family of San Francisco, California; and JoEllen of Eldridge, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Susan in 2022, whom he entrusted to God’s eternal care. Ray is also blessed with seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren —each one a reminder of God’s continued blessings on the family he and Joan built together.

After Joan’s passing in 2013, Ray continued living in their country home until moving to Grand Haven retirement home in August 2024. He remained a man of deep faith, prayer, and gratitude throughout his life. Ray approached each day with humility, kindness, and a strong trust in God’s plan.

Raymond R. Boeding now rests in the loving embrace of his Savior, reunited with Joan and Susan, and held in the eternal peace promised by Christ. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his legacy of faith, devotion, and quiet strength will live on through his family.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Ray will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Long Grove, Iowa. Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Long Grove. Visitation will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025 at St. Ann’s with additional visitation on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the Mass begins. In lieu of flowers, please direct any donations to St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.