Surrounded by his loving family, Fred passed away peacefully on Sunday June 3, 2012 in the ICU unit of the Regina General Hospital at the age of 79. Fred will be sadly missed by his wife of 57 years, Iris, their seven children, Barry, Sherry, Randy (Sonia), Heather (Carl Kowaski), Brian, Darcy and Tracy (John Albert); his 15 grandchildren, Justin, Melissa, Kyla, Ashley, Amanda, Chantelle, Colin, Evan, Brittany, Shannan, Stephen, Zachary, Nicole, Liam and Danielle; one great granddaughter, Tahlia, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Maria, his brothers, Helmut, Ray and Clarence and his granddaughter, Nicole. Fred Boehm was born in Rhein, SK, the son of Henry and Maria (nee Graf) Boehm. He was the fourth of eight children. He lived near Rhein with his six brothers and one sister until 1955, when he married Iris and they started their family together in Yorkton. It was in Yorkton that he built the first of many homes. Fred was a skilled carpenter, so not only did he work as a carpenter, but for much of his life, he built and sold homes. Iris became an expert packer because with a young family to care for, she packed and unpacked them many times! Fred even travelled to the Northwest Territories, Alberta and British Columbia to work. In his younger years, Fred played softball in and around Yorkton, and enjoyed watching most sports. He was a huge Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan. For many years the family would attend the Sports Days in Rhein. Some summers the family would pile into the half ton truck with canopy and head out to BC or the USA to visit family. In the 1970's while continuing to live in Yorkton, Fred and Iris bought a quarter section of land near Sheho. Fred grew wheat crops and continued to farm it well into his 60's. Many weekends were spent out at the farm picking rocks, seeding and harvesting. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and loved to tend his vegetable garden. Fred took great pride in the garden harvest he nurtured every year. As Fred and Iris' kids got married and started having families of their own, Fred went on many walks around the neighbourhood, picking lilacs, crab apples and raspberries with his grandchildren. In 2004, when Iris had a stroke, he cared for her at home as long as he was able. Even after Iris moved to her new home, he remained a devoted husband, visiting her daily. Another daily devotion was his morning trip to McDonald's to visit his friends for coffee. Although he was a man of few words, Fred was always willing to give you his advice, even sometimes when you weren't asking for it. He had a kind heart, and meant well. He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him. His family wish to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors and staff at the Intensive Care Units of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre and the Regina General Hospital. The Memorial Service was held on Friday, June 8, 2012 from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorkton, SK with Pastor Fred Schneider officiating, assisted by Ray Yost. The organist, Carla Laycock, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee", "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross". Fred was remembered in tribute and eulogy by Laura Krawetz. A special taped music selection was "Angels Among Us" by Alabama. The Cremation Committal followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Fred's wife, Iris serving as the urn bearer. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
