Obituary of LaVerne Boden

LaVerne Dean Boden was born to Herman and Minnie Boden on July 25, 1936. LaVerne was the first of four children and grew up on the family farm south of Idalia with his parents and grandparents who had emigrated from Germany. LaVerne shared many stories of Grandma and Grandpa Boden making beer and sharing their German culture with him as he grew up. LaVerne was joined by three siblings, Gary, Carol and Randy. LaVerne enjoyed his school mates, athletics and showing steers at the Stock Show in Denver during his years at Idalia School. He shared stories of watermelon swiping, car crashes and many other adventures before his graduation in 1954. After graduating, he spent time working for the Public Utilities Commission, building high wires in the mountains of Colorado. He then joined the United States Army, which was one of the highlights of his life. He enjoyed touring Europe with his buddies and met Elvis Presley who gave them tickets to an Elvis and Louis Armstrong Concert in Munich, Germany. After his military discharge, LaVerne returned home to Idalia. He spent time building dams and doing heavy equipment operation before going to work for Amer Lahmen. In 1963, LaVerne married Carol Jean Collins. In 1965, LaVerne, Carol and daughter, Missy moved to the Boden family farm to begin their farming operation. LaVerne enjoyed raising cattle and hogs as well as raising crops on the farm. . LaVerne was a charter member of the Kitzmiller Grazing Association and enjoyed many years of association with the Kitzmiller group. His love of animals and nature was passed on to his children, John and Missy as they worked together over the years. In 1987, LaVerne and Carol moved into Idalia, and he began his 20 year adventure in the waste management business. High Plains Disposal was his second passion, and he was happiest while driving the Mac around to each customer’s home, especially if he got to stop and visit for a while. LaVerne served on the St. John’s United Church of Christ Church Board, was a Charter member of the Idalia Lions Club, and was a lifetime 4-H member and Leader. He was also Grandpa to most of the kids who grew up in and around Idalia. LaVerne was a passionate Democrat, sports fan and animal lover. He would argue politics with anyone, just to argue. He shared his love of athletics with his children, always taking time to work on developing their skills and their passion for sports. LaVerne loved all sports and always had time for a game of softball. One of the last exciting moments of his life was listening to the Idalia Girls win the State Basketball championship game from his hospital bed. LaVerne had many passions, including music, dancing, playing cards and mentoring kids with their 4-H projects. He didn’t care if he was playing in the band or was on the dance floor, he loved music. He loved building things and planting trees. His mind was never idle, he was always creating the next project. LaVerne passed away March 23, 2016 at Grace Manor Care Center at the age of 79. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol Jean Boden, children, Melissa and Roger Kleweno, John and Kathi Boden. He is survived by Grandchildren, Caitlin Boden and Joseph Slate, Raegan Boden, Jaden Boden, Michael and Jessica Wolf, Ginger Kleweno, LauraLee and Jeff Richards and RJ and Abby Kleweno. Great Grandchildren include Ethan, Emily, Ella, and Eastin Wolf, Bryce, Bentley and Liliana Richards, and Braxton, Chloe and Aubrey Kleweno. Special members of LaVerne’s family include Sissy, Sammy, Sparky and Lexie Boden.