Obituary of Roger Boatman

Roger Lowell Boatman, 88, of Duluth, MN, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2023, at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth.

Roger was born Feb. 28, 1935 to parents Lillian and Glen Boatman in Columbia Heights, MN.

Roger was one of six with 3 older sisters, Doris, Glenda, and Barbara and 2 younger brothers, Donald and Robert.

Right after graduating high school Roger married the love of his life, Elva (Getschel) October 23, 1954. Roger soon joined the Navy based out of San Diego where Elva eagerly awaited his return.

In 1963 Roger graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI. Right after graduation Roger started his career as an Engineer, designing torpedoes for Honeywell/Alliant Tech Systems. Roger was part of the team that designed the gyro that guided spaceships to Mars and other planets. Roger was able to travel the world for business, many times bringing Elva along.

Roger and Elva had 3 children, Penny, Paula and Steve. They enjoyed camping, fishing, snowmobiling and traveling as a family. Among others, Roger and Elva gave their children the gift of wonderment with their many travels and adventures.

Upon early retirement, Roger and Elva bought an 80 acre hobby farm, Riverbend Farms, in Jacobson, MN, where Roger planted 1000’s of trees. Roger enjoyed traveling, gardening, tending to his trees, attending and singing in the church choir, helping with church and community events, serving on various boards and woodworking. Roger made beautiful furniture for Elva and every family member which will be cherished forever.

Survivors include his children, Penny (Glenn) Olson of Estelline, SD, Paula Ford and Steve Boatman, both of Duluth, MN; his brother and best buddy, Donald (Dottie) Boatman of Prior Lake, MN; 6 grandchildren, Heather Bergquist, Katie Ball, Chaunte Ford, Emily Ford, Ashlyn Boatman and Aaron Boatman; and 4 great grandchildren, Caleb & Owen Bergquist, Macie & Mack Ball and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Elva; Sisters Doris, Glenda, and Barbara and his brother Robert.

All are welcome to join the family for a graveside service to be held May 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM at New Home Cemetery, Eureka Center, WI. Celebration of Roger and Elva’s lives will follow at the Luck Seniors Center, Luck WI.