Pat Boeckman, age 92 of Lake View, IA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024, surrounded by her family at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, IA. Patricia Ann Clarice Alice Dirkx was born on November 20, 1931, to parents Emmet and Helen (Schulte) Dirkx in Early, IA. She was baptized at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early and later received her First Communion at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburn, IA, where she was also confirmed. Pat grew up on a farm east of Auburn and attended country school. She graduated in 1949 from Auburn High School.
After high school, Pat went to work at a bank in Auburn. She, along with her friends, enjoyed dancing at area dancehalls. As the story goes, one night while at the Starline Ballroom in Carroll, IA, a young gentleman by the name of Eugene Boeckman would approach her and ask her to dance. On June 29, 1955, just three months after their first dance, the two were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Auburn. This union was blessed with three children, Allen, Mary, and Dale. Together they raised their family in Carnarvon, IA, where they owned and operated Carnarvon Oil Company. Pat was the bookkeeper but also worked at Meyer Popcorn for a few years as well as at the post office and grocery store in Carnarvon. They lived in Carnarvon for over forty years before moving to their lake home in Lake View in 1998.
Pat had quite a sense of humor and loved making others laugh. Her family gave her the nickname, Trixie, which was quite fitting considering the shenanigans she often initiated. She and Gene would continue to dance on a regular basis at all of the area dancehalls. This was certainly one of their favorite things to do together. The two of them also traveled far and wide. They hopped in their RV and traveled to every state they could and visited Hawaii, but by plane of course. They also made it to see almost all parts of Canada, as well as at least eight other foreign countries together. Pat was a devout Christian/Catholic so rest assured, when they traveled, even with the kids, Sunday morning church was never missed; they always found a service, wherever they were visiting.
Above all, Pat’s family meant the absolute most to her. She adored spending time with all of them, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was someone who was always available to her family and friends, if ever she was needed. She brought so much fun and laughter and just pure joy to those around her. Pat was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be missed dearly by her family and all who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish her memory include her husband of almost sixty-nine years, Gene Boeckman of Lake View, IA; children Allen (Sandy) Boeckman, Mary Boeckman, and Dale (Christy) Boeckman all of Lake View, IA; grandchildren: Heather Boeckman of Sac City, IA, Andy (Brook) Boeckman of Sac City, IA, Josh (Ashley) Hanke of Schleswig, IA, Jenna Boeckman (Jerrid Frank) of Breda, IA, Nathan (Crissy) Boeckman of Lake View, IA, Ally (Kyle) Leners of Lake View, IA, and Caitlyn (Brian) Hecht of Lytton, IA; great-grandchildren: Samantha Nissen, Haylee Nissen, Brooklyn Boeckman (fiancé Javi Ronda), Brianna, Brody, Evan, and Brynn Boeckman, Peyton Hanke, Jaylee Frank, Logan Riedell, Lexi, Lily, and Elle Boeckman, Avery, Abigail, and Adilynn Leners, Eastynn, Blake, Kacen, and Chase Hecht; brothers-in-law Morris Boeckman, Ray Boeckman, and Paul (Cheri) Boeckman; sisters-in-law Ione (Jim) Schreck, Agnes (Wilber) Wiederin, Marie Loew, Veronica (Norm) Hanson, and Pat (Louie) Havermann; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Emmet and Helen Dirkx; great-grandson Ethan Nissen; brothers Cletus Dirkx and Kenneth (Sheri) Dirkx; parents-in-law Tony and Helena Boeckman; brothers-in-law Merlin Loew, Mike Boeckman, Gabe Boeckman (Jean), and Joseph Boeckman; sisters-in-law Donna Mae Boeckman, Mary Sue Boeckman, and Ruth Boeckman.
