Ralph M. Boerner, age 88, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2007, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, February 1st, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt with Reverend Kathy Spracklin officiating. Burial will be at the Odebolt Cemetery. Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 31st, at the funeral home.

Ralph was born on April 22, 1918, on a farm south of Odebolt, the youngest son of five, born to John and Lena (Roth) Boerner. He was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Odebolt. Ralph attended Levey #4 Country School near Odebolt.

On September 8, 1939, Ralph and Bonita Nelson were united in marriage in Cherokee, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Diane, Gary, Merlin, and Randy. Ralph’s life was farming, but his love was his family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ralph was active in softball, loved to go golfing and fishing, and traveling with Bonnie. Ralph farmed all his life, retiring in 1984, when they moved into Odebolt.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Bonnie, his four children: Diane Boyer and husband Stan of LaGrange, Illinois, Gary Boerner and wife Diane of Gowrie, Iowa, Merle Boerner and wife Jean of Ankeny, Iowa, and Randy Boerner and wife Gail of Newberg, Oregon. Other survivors include his six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; five sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers: Glenn, Earl, Vern, and Wayne Boerner.