Obituary of Herman Joel Boman

Herman Joel "Bud" Boman Jr., 91, of Duluth, passed away unexpectedly the evening of Dec, 28, 2015, at Benedictine Health Center, surrounded by his forever loving family. He was born in Duluth on Aug. 25, 1924 to Herman Joel and Ebba (Bogenholm) Boman. Bud was raised in West Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School. He joined the Army upon graduation and fought in Germany during World War II, earning a bronze star and other ribbons. He was extremely proud of his military service. He served with the 228th Field Artillery Unit, and fought at the Battle of the Bulge. He was in charge of loading and firing "Big Bertha", taking out a German trainload of howitzers among other successful missions. He crossed the Rhine several times during the winter, sustaining permanent damage to his feet and legs. He must have had a sixth sense as he defied orders to never go into a building to sleep. He and his fellow soldiers were digging holes to sleep in when Bud said "let's go sleep in that barn". When they awoke the next morning, the area they would have slept in had been bombed, and they would have all been killed. Upon his honorable discharge he went to work at Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company, until his retirement in 1987. In 1947, he married Joyce Marie Roginski, achieving more than 68 years of marriage. They raised their five children in the Lester Park area of Duluth. He was an involved and loving father, and an unselfish caregiver whose loyalty and devotion was unsurpassed. He was a 44-year member of the Duluth Elks Club, serving as a trustee and was named Elk of the Year twice. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 71 and St. Michael's Catholic Church, and former member of the VFW. He also served as a Scout leader at Lester Park School. Bud was an avid sports fan. He had season tickets to the Twins for many years and got to attend their two World Series wins. He also had season tickets to the UMD Bulldogs hockey - men and women. A die-hard Vikings fan, we're sorry he missed seeing them win a Super Bowl. He bowled, played baseball, and golfed until his feet and back pain caused him to quit. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Warren Boman; niece Barbara Boman; and special aunt Bertha Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; five children; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren: Adele (Bunny) Hartwick (Jon) and their children Meghan and Brandon (Ginger) Hartwick; Joel (Vicki) and their children Deanna (Shawn) Fitzpatrick, Andrea (Earnest) Jeyaraja, Allison (Michael) Ryan, Janna (Jesse) Daniel, Bethany (Brian) Pavlock, Kara, Julia, and Jared Boman; Kevan and his children Jessica Boman, Jennifer Myer, and Kali Boman; Mary (Michael) Schiltz and their children Michael (Cassandra Neperud) Malmquist and Merisa Malmquist; and Brian (Lorri Townsend) and daughter Crystal (Nate) Atkinson. His nieces: Susan (Don) Hanson and Beth (Steve) Freeman; and his cousin Joyce Nelson Young. The family is grateful for the fine care he received at St. Ann's and at the re-habilitation unit at Benedictine Health Center. Private inurnment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be held next spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to American Legion Post 71 or Choice, unlimited, the day program provider for his special needs granddaughter.