MY FATHER-IN-LAW – ROBERT HENRY BOECHER – 1909-1965

When I was first introduced to my future father-in-law, I was surprised to discover him a man of many hats. He had followed his own father’s footsteps by going into partnership with his only brother to continue the funeral business. This was sort of expected in those times – when an established business was handed from one generation to another. I could tell that I was going to like him right off the bat. Though successful and wealthy, he had a way of communicating that made me feel completely at ease. I suppose part of his success had to do with those communication skills. I later learned that he had taken a public speaking course in his youth. Apparently, he liked being on stage in high school. The skills he learned as a young man, obviously had a positive effect on his career.

He had to learn all about the human body. He had to be on call at a moment’s notice. He spent many hours waiting for work. He endured all the dead people jokes everyone has for an undertaker, but he had a wonderful sense of humor and usually had an answer for them. He was a fisherman and spent hours on the lake at their family “cabin.” When fishing with his son (my husband) he would encourage him to put the bait in his mouth to keep it warm. Of course, he knew his dad was kidding. There were many adventures at that lake. Paul was encouraged to get involved with sailing and working as a crew member for other sailboat operators. That resulted in many a regatta on the weekends.

Eventually the neighborhood that housed the funeral home, as well as their living quarters, became the subject of race riots and unrest. Property values fell and so did the business. He stuck with it though, putting all his effort into making it work to support his family. He also saw to it that both of his children were given a Christian education from kindergarten through high school. When his son told him that he wanted to pursue a career in art, he encouraged him to do so. He never pushed him into feeling responsible to take over the family business. I am eternally grateful for that.

He died far too young. He was only 56 years old. He never got to meet his future son-in-law or his grandchildren. I believe that his memory lives on through his children and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to know him. Since his death in 1965, the funeral home has passed through a few different businesses. In 2002, it was purchased by the church which they attended. The same church they worshiped at and where they attended school was in need of expansion. The funeral home was on the other side of the same street, and they purchased it. It’s now the home of “Time of Grace,” a television ministry. It seems that God had a plan for that place as well.

Thank you, dear heavenly Father, for giving me a special father-in-law. Though I only knew him for a few years, he had a tremendous impact on my life. His love for his family, his Christian discipline, his work ethic, his determination in times of trouble and his faith in God have all passed down to his children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He knew the one thing necessary for a successful life. AMEN!