William H. Boekel, 87

William Howard Boekel of Rathdrum, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home June 7, 2024, due to heart complications. He was born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Fred and Evelyn Boekel on July 13, 1936. Bill was the oldest of three children, with brother Neil and sister Ann. He was proud to be a native Idahoan, living his entire life on the farm. 

Bill attended school in Rathdrum, graduating in 1955. He then attended North Idaho College and worked for the Forest Service for a while before becoming a logger. He spent a winter in Seattle welding in the shipyards before returning to the family farm in 1968.

Bill was the third generation to work on the Boekel farm, which was established in 1902 by his grandparents. He was proud to be a farmer and farmed over 1,000 acres of land that he leased on the Rathdrum Prairie and on the Rimrock. He put up lots of hay with the help of his family. When the kids left and were no longer home to help with haying, he bought his first round baler. Now, all the hard work was done with the tractor. He also ran up to 100 head of commercial cattle at one time. 

Bill spent 27 years on the Kootenai Electric board of directors and served as president for several years. He saw the customer base grow from 3,600 to 16,000 members.

He was an avid fisherman. He not only fished close to home, but spent time fishing in Alaska, Canada, Montana and Washington. It was always a good time with good fishing buddies. He also loved to go hunting, spending many October days with friends getting meat for the family, as he would say. He also liked to go camping with his family.

As health issues slowed him down, he gradually let go of more of the farming and cattle operations, allowing the family to continue putting up hay on the home place and running a herd of cattle. The fourth generation is determined to keep farming and running Cloverdale Farm as it has been for 122 years.

Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna, son Billy, stepdaughter Jacqui (Orlando), and stepsons Rick (Shelley) and Rob (Chris). He leaves behind grandchildren Austyn and Hailee, as well as step-grandchildren Tricia, Aleesha, Beca, Jalyn and Adam. He also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren, with a ninth due in September. He is also survived by his brother, Neil, and sister Ann, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred, and mother Evelyn. He also lost a brother-in-law, Mark Todd, this past week. 

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Dr. Kelly Nelson and Lynne Kinson for the care they gave Bill. Hospice of North Idaho provided special care, making it possible for us to grant Bill his wish to pass at home with his family nearby. In lieu of flowers, you can donate to the North Idaho Hospice House.

A graveside service is planned at Pine Grove Cemetery in Rathdrum at 11 a.m. June 21, followed by a celebration of his life at the family farm. Please join us.

Please visit William's Online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.