RAYMOND BENJAMIN BOELMAN, age 94, of Ellsworth, died Saturday, December 19, 2015, at his home. He was born November 24, 1921, in Ash Creek, to Rudolph and Tillie (Mennen) Boelman. He attended school in Ash Creek.
Ray married Adeline Hisken on October 6, 1944, and celebrated their 71st anniversary this year. The couple farmed west of Ellsworth beginning in 1945, where they raised their three children. Zion Presbyterian Church has been central to Ray's faith. Not only were he and Adeline married at Zion; their three children were baptized and confirmed there. Daughters Mary K. and Gloria were married there. In 1955, he and Adeline farmed near Kanaranzi until he retired from farming. He also worked at the Ellsworth School for fifteen years.
In retirement, Ray and Adeline split their time between warm Texas winters and beautiful Minnesota summers. Ray loved the outdoors. As a young boy, he enjoyed playing along the Rock River, and he shared his love of nature with his family. The family spent summer vacations on Minnesota lakes and traveling to Florida, Montana, New York, Arizona and Europe to visit family. Wherever he was in the summer, Ray enjoyed fishing with Adeline, family members and friends. He was an avid gardener and animal lover. He will be remembered for his kindness and strong work ethic.
Ray is survived by his wife, Adeline Boelman, Ellsworth; two children, Daryle Boelman, Florence, MT; and Mary K. (Dan) Setness, Torrington, CT; nine grandchildren, Scott (Angie) Boelman, Billings, MT; Susan Boelman, Florence, MT; Shawn (Amy) Boelman, Corvallis, MT; Steven (Susie) Boelman, Missoula, MT; Alex (Christine) Setness, Scarsdale, NY; Krister Setness, New York, NY; Jeff (Doreen) Heikes, Sioux Falls, SD; Brian (Tena) Heikes, Brandon, SD; and Melissa (Tyler) Artlip, Bismarck, ND; great grandchildren, Isaac (Bonnie) and Dillon Boelman, Amanda and Bennett Boelman, Sophie and Amelia Boelman, Kiera and Caitlin Setness, Allison and Emmet Heikes, Chloe and Josie Heikes, Lydia and Natalie Artlip; great great grandchildren, Kamea and Landon Boelman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Gloria and son-in-law, Ron Heikes; daughter-in-law, Jean Boelman; father and mother-in-law, Benjamin and Gertrude (Smook) Hisken; brothers, Marvin and Eddie Boelman; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, half-brothers and half-sisters.
Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Monday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Funeral will be 10:30 am Tuesday at the Zion Presbyterian Church, in Ellsworth, officiated by Pastor Paul Snyder. Burial will be at the Grand Prairie Cemetery in Ellsworth.
To view an online obituary or a video tribute, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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