RUSSELL—Dean Henry Boxberger, 92, of Russell passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at Main Street Manor in Russell. Dean passed peacefully with family by his side, 24 days after the passing of his wife of 69 years, Betty.
Dean was born on Oct. 22, 1930, in Russell, the son of Solomon and Elfreda (Reinhardt, Boxberger) Stenzel. He grew up and attended schools in Russell, graduating from Russell High School in 1948. Dean was baptized in the Lutheran church in Milberger and confirmed in St John Lutheran Church, Russell. He met and fell in love with Betty Ann Balloun. After a seven-week courtship, they were united in marriage on May 16, 1954, in St John Lutheran Church. From this union, they were blessed with five sons: Matthew, Mark, Thomas, Timothy and Scott. Dean and Betty shared 69 years of married life together.
Dean loved the land and was a farmer and rancher all his life. He farmed for many years with his brother Raymond in Russell and Gove counties and then on his own on the family farm south of Russell. He also worked in the oilfield and drove the activity bus for USD 407 for 35 years. Dean served his country in the Kansas National Guard, Russell County as a commissioner for 10 years and Grant Township as treasurer. He was an active member of St John Lutheran Church, serving on the council as treasurer and ushering and greeting at worship services. He was a member of the Russell Masonic Lodge, Isis Shrine and Russell Elks Lodge.
Dean was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed sports, hunting, bowling, playing cards and chatting over coffee with his friends.
Preceding him in death were his wife Betty Ann (Balloun); his parents; brother Raymond E. Boxberger; sister DorLeen (Boxberger) Hunter; and sister-in-law Celia Boxberger.
Survivors include sons, Matthew Boxberger (Genevieve) of San Jose, Calif., Mark Boxberger (Amy) of Noblesville, Ind., Thomas Boxberger (Sheri) of Lawrence, Timothy Boxberger (Dylan Palma) of Russell, and Scott Boxberger (Desiree) of Overland Park; grandchildren, George, Joe, Betsy (Karim Khalil), Jakob, Elyse, Gretchen, Cassie, Joshua, and Jenna; great-grandson, Rami; several nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Dean’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church. A private family burial will be at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with the Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. John Lutheran Church. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.