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Lawrence ‘Bud’ E. Boisen, 97

1921 — 2019

Lawrence “Bud” E. Boisen passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2019, at the age of 97, with family by his side. Bud will be remembered for his great sense of humor, infectious smile, love of dessert (he often took a second helping), fishing for rainbow trout, gathering of huckleberries, passion for education, hosting the neighbors for coffee to “settle the world’s affairs,” and his great pride in raising premium beef cattle. He was a man who never wavered from his core values of family, friends and faith. Bud will be dearly missed.

Bud was born Sept. 21, 1921, in Sentinal Butte, N.D. He was one of nine kids born to Anton Peter Boisen and Marguerite Lardy Boisen. After high school, Bud stayed in North Dakota and attended Dickinson State Teachers College, before being called to active duty during World War II. He was part of Company K of the 164th Infantry, which was the first Army unit to arrive in Guadalcanal. Bud was injured in combat and received a Purple Heart for his heroism.

After the war, Bud continued his education at Washington State College (University), where he met and married Helen Ballard and earned a Bachelor of Arts in education. Bud later earned a master’s degree in education from Whitworth College (University). He taught 25 years in the Spokane School District at Lincoln Heights Elementary School and Libby Junior High School. In addition to his full-time role as an educator, Bud returned to his family business roots by owning and operating a grocery store on 29th and Myrtle with his stepfather, Earl Ogilvie, and raising cattle on the outskirts of the city.

In 1974, Bud and Helen purchased their dream ranch near Hauser Lake, Idaho. After the passing of Helen in 1985, Bud continued to live on the ranch and raised cattle, horses and his beloved Shetland ponies.

Bud later reconnected with a longtime friend, Joan Munkers, with whom he found his world travel partner, fierce cribbage opponent and the woman who remained by his side for the rest of his life.

Bud is survived by Joan; daughters Roseanne (Plotts) and Susan (Rohrback); brother Don; grandchildren James (Jessalin) Rohrback, Jesse Rohrback, Andrew Rohrback, Charisma (Tom) Jenkins, Adam (Hannah) Ganders, Joshua Munkers, Jennifer Munkers, Christopher (Brook) Jordan and Lexus Jordan; great-grandchildren Poppy Ganders and Skye Jenkins; son-in-law Larry (Robin) Ganders; and Joan’s daughter, Tina (Curt) Jordan. Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; daughter Donna (Ganders); grandson Larry Plotts; sons-in-law Robert Plotts and Jack Rohrback and seven brothers and sisters.

Please join family and friends at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, and bring your favorite side dish for a potluck-style celebration of life for Bud at the American Legion, 1138 E. Poleline Ave. in Post Falls.