Alvin Boomgaarden

ALVIN L. BOOMGAARDEN of Luverne, departed this life September 20, 2022 after a full and enjoyable 99+ years. Born on January 15, 1923 in Lyon County, Iowa to Lewis and Tilla (Kruger) Boomgaarden, Alvin grew up primarily on his parents’ farm just north of Magnolia. He attended Magnolia School, graduating with the class of 1941. Thereafter he farmed in the area until drafted into the U.S. Navy for service in World War II in 1944. He served on the Naval destroyer Fred T. Berry, shipping out from Treasure Island, San Francisco Bay, as the war in the Pacific began to wind down. He served with the U.S. occupation forces in Japan and in China into 1946, the year of his discharge. During the war, Alvin married Elaine Marian Arp of Luverne, and in the early post-war years they began their 65 years of marriage farming near Magnolia. They settled on and purchased a farm north of Magnolia, where they reared a family of sons.

Alvin was a well-liked and respected member of the community. He was active in membership and leadership of the Magnolia Booster Club, of the Magnolia School District Board, and of VFW Post 2757 in Luverne. He and his older brother Jake formed a high-school-sports referee partnership that officiated at football and basketball contests throughout Southwest Minnesota through the mid-1970s. Alvin retired as an active farmer in the late 1980s, and began to enjoy activities of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren even until the end of his life.

He is predeceased by his parents; his wife Elaine; his brother Jake and sister Lois; an infant son Dale; and his fourth son, Jack. He is survived by his sons, Randall A. (Joan) of Zumbrota, Wesley L. (LeAnn) of Columbus, Ohio, Jeffrey D. of Credit River; 10 grandchildren; and, at this writing, 17 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Luverne Hospice Cottage.