Albert "Glenn" Boelke

Glenn Boelke passed peacefully from this world on November 22, 2024, aged 88. Glenn was born in Welland, Ontario Canada to the Rev Albert and his wife Lillian Boelke on March 29, 1936. Glenn was the youngest of five children. His family moved to Buffalo, New York where he became a naturalized citizen of the US. Eventually his family moved to Durhan, Kansas and Glenn often worked as a field hand on local farms, graduating from high school in 1954. He attended Ball State College in Muncie, Indiana and Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana where he met his future wife, Eula Rae Wares. They married in 1957 with his father, Rev Albert Boelke officiating. 

They settled in Liberal, Kansas and began their family with son Chris born in 1959 and daughter Erin in 1960 before moving to Emporia, Kansas where their youngest son Matthew was born in 1967. Their second child Erin suffered a brain embolism at 2 months of age and subsequent surgeries resulted in significant brain damage, forever changing the trajectory of their lives. Glenn and Eula were blessed to have an incredible staff at the KU medical center providing Erin with cutting edge care, support and early schooling. They developed a strong support system from the medical center, church family and community, allowing them to raise their children, including Erin, at home in as healthy an environment as possible. In 1973 they moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, settling into the western slope with great contentment and commitment to their community.

Glenn and Eula were active supporters of the Civil Rights movement in college and their early marriage. They truly loved people. Glenn was fearless in both the defense of his family and defending the rights of others. He once attended a local Black Panther meeting in Emporia, Kansas featuring speakers from the larger Black Panther movement. He was initially denied entrance, until after stating he was under the impression that this was a public meeting, he was allowed in with Chris in tow, the only two white faces in attendance. He was a curious man, very interested in what part the Black Panther group played in the civil rights movement. He was always one to foster relationships with people from all walks of life, nationalities, races and abilities. 

Glenn had many careers over the years, starting with field hand, carpenter, oiler for compressor station at Panhandle Eastern, self-employed painter, insurance salesman, general contractor and head of maintenance for Hilltop Rehabilitation Hospital. He was a jack of all trades, a true renaissance man of his time with interests as varied as possible. He loved reading, getting to know people of all walks of life, building furniture, carving, fishing, hunting, working in his amazing yard, painting, practical joker and bike riding. He also enjoyed rafting, spending several weeks on both the Snake and the Colorado River. He was an eloquent wordsmith, writing letters to his family and friends that are still to this day treasured heirlooms. He also loved camping, spending many summer months in the Silverjack Reservoir area, fishing and exploring the great outdoors. Glenn was also an amazing cook and baker. His Amish shortbread cookies, cinnamon rolls and homemade ice cream recipe are the absolute best in the world. 

Glenn was also involved in many organizations. He was a founding member of the Aardvarks. He served as president of the Association of Retarded Citizens of Kansas (now known as ‘the arc’ for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities). After retirement he joined the Spellbinders organization, reading stories to many lucky children of School District 51. Glenn and Eula shared much love and experience with the annual Roundhouse Conferences, a conference for parents, teachers, and medical providers of children with special needs. He spoke to the heart of many parents who struggled with special needs children, using his experiences with Erin to help shine the way for those who followed.

Glenn is preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Albert Boelke and his sisters, Harriet Anderson and Marilyn Boelke

He is survived by his wife Eula Rae, son Chris (Lynn) Boelke, Erin Boelke, Matthew (Laurie) Boelke, his sister Jean Reitz and brother Gordon Boelke, and his dearest grandchildren: Benjamin Boelke, Katelyn Boelke and Seth (Madeline) Boelke. 

Glenn loved his family and friends fiercely, with great depth and loyalty. He will be greatly missed. 

There will be a Celebration of Life on Jan. 18th at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church 3940 27 ½ Road, Grand Junction, CO. Please consider sending or bringing a written memory or copy of any photographs of Glenn (with a caption or memory) to share as part of a display of his impact on all of us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending contributions to one of many organizations serving our brothers and sisters in this life – such as: 

Strive

Hope West Hospice