Martin Boese

A Celebration of Life service for Martin “Marty” John Boese, age 75, of Geddes, SD. is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Multipurpose Room (former school gym) in Geddes. Funeral arrangements are pending. Koehn Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Martin “Marty” John Boese (aka “Bear”) was born December 24, 1950, in the Yankton Sacred Heart Hospital. He was the firstborn of five brothers to Noah “Norm” and Anna “Peg” (McElhaney) Boese.

Growing up, as the family moved for different opportunities, Marty attended multiple grade schools and graduated from Avon High School, in Avon in 1969.

Marty attended one year of college in Michigan for outdoor/nature conservation before returning to South Dakota to begin his working career. His career started with R & S Woodworking and Daily Redwood, building federal houses. His first masonry job was with Jim “Sid” Williams Masonry from Avon, SD. When work with them slowed at times, he worked for other companies, in various regions—Singer Masonry, Rapid City; Jensen Masonry, Sioux Falls; S & S Masonry, Wagner; bricklaying in Dallas, TX; cement work in Montana; pipe laydown operator in the oil fields for Wyoming Casing, Gillette, Wyoming; assisting local farmers; Williams Brothers Masonry, LLC; and lastly, J & D Masonry, (Jim Williams, Jr.) Alexandria, SD.

He prided himself as a master craftsman and stone mason, often asked to be the corner-lead man on a jobsite or help with special cuts and arches, as he was very detailed/precise with a strong work ethic; He was a proud member of the Local 1 MN/ND/SD Union, BAC Local Union 15-Omaha, and recently received his Lifetime Membership Award with the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers for his over fifty consecutive years as a member.

What started initially as a dare at the Tap in Lake Andes in 1973, turned into over 47 years of marriage for Marty and Rita who were married at the Geddes United Methodist Church on June 3, 1978. To this union two daughters were born—Jodi Marie and Jennifer Ann.

Marty had many hobbies and interests. Fishing and hunting would top the list, with some of his greatest memories shared with family and friends. He greatly enjoyed fishing year round in the Missouri River for walleye and whatever surprise may find its way onto the hook. Many memories were made with family holidays/get-togethers built around fishing, while also helping Rita run their business, Boese’s Bait & Tackle, for 12 years.

He especially enjoyed hunting pheasants, deer, and antelope over the years. He was always up for a good road trip.

An eclectic music lover, he enjoyed listening and dancing to all kinds of music, from classic country to rock ‘n’ roll, oldies, Celtic/ Irish folk music, and anything with a great beat, melodic harmony, or beautiful story to tell.

Marty was a true artisan and creative person. Whether it be sketching wildlife and landscape pictures in fine detail for his family or his own enjoyment, drawing up detailed plans for special building projects, coloring or helping his girls with Valentine boxes/projects for school, dyeing Easter eggs, growing and carving pumpkins, and decorating outside for the holidays over the years, he enjoyed the process and the great joy it brought others as well. Even when his own girls were grown, he still enjoyed growing pumpkins—many of which were given to others who had children to enjoy the carving/painting tradition.

Marty passed away at his home on March 2, 2026. He is survived by his wife Rita Boese of Geddes; daughters Jodi Boese, Pickstown, and Jennifer Boese (Josh Roadifer), Bozeman, Mont;. brothers Bob (Marla) Boese, Sioux Falls, Dave (Jean) Boese, Yankton, Andy (Brenda) Boese, Sioux Falls, and Barry (Kayleen) Boese, Windsor, Colo.; in-laws Ron (Sharon) Globke, Canton, Ed (Kathi) Globke, Asheville, OH, Susan Cable, Winner, John (Lori) Cable, Geddes, Irene Lund, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Le-Roy and Rose (Hermanek) Cable; sister-in-law, Rosie Globke (John) Muilenburg, sister-in-law Cheryl (Globke) Strehlow; brothers-in-law Chuck Strehlow, Glen Caldwell, and Bill Cable; and sister-in-law Elsie (Cable) Tank.