Robert Boy

Robert L. Boy, (68), born May 9, 1942 in Sioux Falls, SD to Howard and Judith (Brekke) Boy, left this world journeying on Eagles Wings to Heaven April 2, 2011. Death was attributed to complications from Parkinson’s disease which he lived and struggled with for nearly 40 years.

Robert lived southwest of Harford his first six years and started his education in a country school. He moved with his parents and sisters to a farm north of Renner and attended Baltic Public & High School, graduating in May of 1960. He was a member of the Big Sioux Challengers 4-H Club for many years. Robert was also active in West Nidaros Lutheran Church, Sunday School, choir and youth activities.

Following graduation, he farmed with his dad until enlisting in the U. S. Navy on Feb 4, 1964. Robert was stationed at Port Hueneme in California where he attended construction mechanics classes to become a Seabee. He enjoyed his stay in Kodiak, Alaska and the friends he made while stationed there. Robert was then deployed to Vietnam serving with Mobile Construction Battalion TEN, Alfa Co - 4th Platoon, in Danang. As a member of the “MEN OF TEN”, they upheld the true spirit of the famed Seabee Motto - “Can Do” - and received a commendation from Secretary of the Navy, Paul H. Nitze, authorizing them to wear the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. Robert was released from active duty on May 29, 1968 and enrolled in the reserve program, receiving his Honorable Discharge notification on Feb 3, 1970. His dedication to his Country and its people continued with his joining the Baltic American Legion, serving with its Honor Guard at funerals as long as he was able, his continued love of the American Flag and the American Eagle.

After he received his discharge from the Navy, Robert came back to the farm intent on farming with his father. That ended up being a short-lived dream of six months. He and his dad had a Grade B dairy and while Robert was finishing milking the first shift, his dad went to get the rest of the herd grazing on stubble ground where he ended up being killed by the holstein bull and Robert had the shock of finding him. Robert continued to farm, even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in his early 30’s. When he was no longer able to farm, he stayed on the farm with his mother until she could no longer take care of him. It was then that he went to live with his sister, LeAnn and her husband, Joe, in Davis. Robert enjoyed being able to help Joe with little farming chores and fix-it projects for a few years. In 1998, he was hospitalized at the VA where it was determined he needed more advanced and 24 hour care. At this time, he became a resident of the Good Samaritan Home in Lennox. In 1999, his mother joined him and they enjoyed occupying opposite corners of the Home. Robert left Lennox Good Samaritan in July of 2005, going to live with Jan & Jim McClung in their home, first in the country by Fairview and later moving in to Canton. The McClungs and their staff provided the love and care he needed as he struggled the last six years with the ravages of this disease.

Robert was thrilled to be able to attend the dedication of the SD Vietnam Memorial in Pierre with his sister, and niece, his class reunions (except for their 50th last year), the ceremony inducting his friend, Dave Oyen, into the SD Country Music Hall of Fame, and trips to Texas to break up the winter and see his sis, LeAnn. His love for animals began when he was about 6 months old and continued throughout his life. Feeding the birds and squirrels at the Lennox Nursing Home became one of his projects. His last pet, Rosie the black Pug, will be buried with him.

Robert never married, but had “family” wherever he went. Left behind to miss his presence and smile on earth are his sisters, LeAnn (Joe) Hummel of Davis, SD and Cheryl (Verlin) Boeder of Phoenix, Arizona; his niece, Teresa (Jay) Love of Davis, SD, and nephew, Jon Boeder of Omaha, Nebraska; two aunts - Maurine Mallon of Abilene, Texas and Myrtle Brekke of Sioux Falls; his caregivers, Jan and Jim McClung of Canton, SD and Pam Miles of Worthing; many cousins and friends. His father, on November 12, 1968, and mother, on August 15, 2004, preceded him in death.

Visitation with family at Minnehaha Funeral Home in Baltic on Wednesday evening from 6-8. Funeral services and burial will be held starting at 11 am on Thursday, April 7th at West Nidaros Lutheran Church and cemetery, rural Crooks. Robert would be pleased with any memorials directed to the VA Chapel Digital Media Fund, West Nidaros Altar Guild, or charity of choice.