GARY LEWIS BOOMGAARDEN, age 61, of Ellsworth, died Thursday, January 3, 2013, at the Sanford Hospital in Luverne. He was born February 20, 1951, in Adrian, to Jake and Jennie (Peters) Boomgaarden. Gary graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1969. He entered the Army National Guard and served his country for seven years. He graduated from Southeast Vo-Tech, in Sioux Falls, SD, with a degree in Electronics.
Gary married Delores Boltjes on April 3, 1971, at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church south of Rushmore. The couple lived and raised their family in Ellsworth. Music was Gary's passion. With his dad & uncle, he played in the George Boomgaarden Orchestra. Gary later played in various bands before most recently playing bass guitar in Iron Horse.
Gary worked at various jobs including A.R. Woods Manufacturing in Luverne; Sathers in Round Lake; Sudenga Industries in George, IA; the City of Ellsworth; Sencore Eletronics in Sioux Falls, SD; and Marco Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD.
He enjoyed many hobbies including his HAM Radio operation, his flower gardening and especially his love for steam engines. Gary was also interested in history and genealogy. He researched old newspaper clippings and obituaries to help people find family history or locate grave sites. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his wife, Delores Boomgaarden, Ellsworth; three children, Michelle (Kevin) DeBeer, Ellsworth; Angela (Brian) Jonas, Kenneth; and Kari (Matthew) Liljequist, Plymouth; five grandchildren, Danielle & Kendra DeBeer; and Brianna, Morgan & Zachary Jonas; brother, Dennis (Arden) Boomgaarden, Murrieta, CA; aunt, Jean Oehlerts, Canton, SD; mother-in-law, Marjorie Boltjes, Adrian; and many in-laws, cousins & family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant brother.
Visitation will be from 4-7pm Friday at the Zion Presbyterian Church in Ellsworth; and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Funeral will be 11 am Saturday at the Zion Presbyterian Church, in Ellsworth, officiated by Rev. Calvin Hsu. Burial with full military honors will be in the Grand Prairie Cemetery in Ellsworth.
Dingmann Funeral Home, in Adrian, is in charge of arrangements.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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