Charles F. Boden

Charles Francis Boden was born to Michael Nicholas and Cecilia Katherine (Brummer) Boden on December 24, 1929 in the home of Uncle Frank Boden SW of Tipton, KS in Osborne County.  He attended Castle Hills Grade School in Osborne, Ks for 1st-3rd grade, then graduated 8th grade Holy Corners Grade School which was SW of Tipton, KS.

He married Lucille Sporleder on April 11, 1964 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church by Monsignor Samual Frazier.  They started their marriage in Solomon Rapids, KS, moved to a farm in Simpson, KS in 1968, then to Concordia, KS in 2006. They were blessed with three children, Richard, John and Anna during their 56 years of marriage.

Charles worked hard on the family ranch, the Glen Elder Livestock Ranch, US Army serving in the Korean War, Brown Construction in Downs, KS, Purcher & Dutton Construction in Norton, KS, Hollaway Wholesale in Beloit, KS, all the while working his own farm then helping other farmers in the area after retiring.

At age 22, he and brother Jerome enlisted in the military to help the Korean War effort.  Jerome was assigned to the Marines while Charles was assigned to the Army.  He started boot camp at Ft. Riley, KS in the 10th Division, shipped to Korea at Ft. Washington joining the 2nd Infantry Division (Indianhead) and working his way up to Seargant First Class with Company H, 9th (Manchu) Regiment.  He earned the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat on the front line, Bronze Star twice for saving others lives, and the Combat Infantryman badge.  He was returned stateside to Ft. Jackson in South Carolina.  In 2000, for the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War, he was recognized by Senator Jerry Moran in a ceremony in Abilene, KS.  He and brothers Nick and Jerome were honored as 2014 Grand Marshalls for the Veterans Day parade in Beloit, KS.

While younger, he enjoyed riding horses, rodeos, coon hunting, attending dances and VFW functions.  He and his siblings had a band which played many neighboring towns.  Later in life, he enjoyed watching Western movies, reading, visiting family and friends, coffee with friends at coffee shops and loving on his grandchildren.

Charles is survived by his wife Lucille Boden of the home, sons Richard Boden and fiance Damiana Chavez of Kearney, NE and John Boden and wife Kari of Concordia, KS and daughter Anna Schuster and husband JJ of Olathe, KS, sister Lorene Townsend and husband Chuck of Beloit, KS.  He enjoyed spoiling his nine grandchildren: Gunner, Conner and Ryan Boden of Concordia, KS, Michele Boden of Kearney, NE, Evan, Ethan, Emma, Elizabeth and Elliott Schuster of Olathe, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mike & Cecilia, brothers Nicholas, Ignatz (Bud), Jerome and twins Michael and Edgar.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM Wednesday, June 3 at the St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit followed by burial in Elmwood Cemetery. A rosary service will take place at 10 AM Wednesday at the Church. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 7 PM Tuesday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to the VFW Post #6242.