Richard J. Boelsen

Richard J. Boelsen, age 84, a loyal, passionate, and hardworking man who was always willing to lend a helping hand, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, leaving behind cherished memories for family and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria with Pastor Megan Preston officiating.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Richard John was born to John and Edna (Rainmuth) Boelsen on September 30, 1940, in Benson. Richard graduated from Appleton High School in 1958 and went on to attend Hanson's Auto Mechanic School, graduating in 1959. On October 31, 1959, Richard married the love of his life, Barbara, at the Big Bend Lutheran Church, rural Appleton. Together, they built a wonderful life, and were blessed with three children: Jeff, Julie, and Jason.

Throughout his professional life, Richard served four years in the National Guard, owned and operated an International Harvester implement dealership for twelve years, and co-managed a 1200-acre row crop farm for several years. He dedicated over thirty years as a successful salesman for Hydro Engineering, Inc. Deeply committed to community service, Richard volunteered as a firearm safety instructor for twenty-five years, served eighteen years with the Appleton Fire Department, and contributed as a snowmobile safety instructor and Boy Scout leader. He was also an active member of the Jaycees, Appleton Saddle Club and Snowmobile Club. Richard retired at the young age of 74.

Richard's adventurous spirit led him to enjoy horses, performing in horse shows and parades for many years. Later in life, he enjoyed riding his Spyder motorcycle with his close friend Neil and the Mora Spyder Club. His passion for hunting took him on memorable adventures, including an unforgettable trip to Argentina with his son Jeff to hunt red stag, water buffalo and other big game. He also cherished fishing trips with Dan, Jeff, Nate, Steve, and Jason.

Family was at the heart of Richard's life; he took immense pride in attending national dance competitions to watch his granddaughters and great-granddaughter perform. He treasured spending quality time woodworking and attending movies with Jason. He also enjoyed traveling to Australia, where he visited Julie and family. In his leisure time, Richard could often be found fishing off the dock at his Maple Lake home or exploring new roads on his cherished Spyder motorcycle.

Richard’s legacy of passion, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to family and community will endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved sister, Vivian.

Richard was a devoted family man and is survived by his loving wife, Barb; children, Jeff (Karen) Boelsen, Julie Brehaut, and Jason Boelsen; grandchildren, Kirsten (Jake) Robuck, Caitlin (Max) Leschak, Tyler (Rachel) Wiegert, Austin (Jordan) Wiegert, Lucas (Davy Im) Boelsen, Coral (Dylan Fielder) Zitek, Dusten Zitek, and Anthony Brehaut; and five precious great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Vivie Hospice and the staff at Nelson Care Center for their compassionate care for Richard.

Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society, Appleton Fire Department, and the Alzheimer’s Association.