JAKE MARVIN BOOMGAARDEN, of Luverne, died Friday, September 19, 2014, at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage. He was born June 2, 1921, in rural Lyon County, IA, to Lewis and Tilla (Kruger) Boomgaarden. He graduated from Magnolia High School in 1941; and attended Mankato State Teachers College. Jake served his country in the 8th Air Force in England during WWII from 1942 to 1945.
Jake married Evelyn Bartels on December 25, 1942, in Wichita Falls, TX. After their marriage, Jake returned to the Air Corps. He owned & operated several businesses in Sioux Falls, SD. For over sixty eight years, Jake umpired baseball & softball, refereed basketball & volleyball without missing a call. He was also honored to umpire the Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament. Jake umpired his last high school baseball game at the Metrodome at the age of 88.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne; the Luverne American Legion; past Commander of the Luverne VFW; and past Master of the Ben Franklin Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed coffee with friends and the "Last Man's Coffee Club" at Glen's.
Jake survived by his daughter, Dr. Renee (Dr. Chris Hertler) Boomgaarden, Dickinson, ND; two grandchildren, Gabriel (Asha) Hertler, Brookings, SD; and Anna Hertler, Moorhead, MN; and his brother, Alvin Boomgaarden, Luverne.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Evelyn on April 10, 2014; an infant son; an infant sister, Geraldine; and a sister, Lois Wellendorf.
A time of fellowship will be from 5-7 pm Thursday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. A memorial service will be 10:30 am Friday at Grace Lutheran Church, in Luverne, officiated by Rev. Josh Enderson. Burial of cremains with full military honors provided by the Luverne American Legion & VFW, will be at the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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