JACK ALAN BOOMGAARDEN was born on April 3, 1958 to Alvin and Elaine (Arp) Boomgaarden at the Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm north of Magnolia, Minnesota. Growing up he was quite the athlete and enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball. He later played for the Adrian A's baseball team, where he was a notable pitcher on the mound and hitter at the plate. He also enjoyed bowling, trap shooting, pheasant hunting and shooting pool. When he wasn't playing sports, Jack would be helping his dad on the farm with chores and fieldwork. Following graduation from Magnolia High School in 1976, he attended school at Ridgewater Vocational & Technical School in Willmar, Minnesota, where he studied carpentry. He took the skills he learned at school and used them throughout the rest of his life. On November 14, 1981, Jack was united in marriage to Debbie Walgrave at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. The couple made their home on the farm and were blessed with six children. He had a passion and love for farming, working the land and caring for the animals. He was a hard worker and took great pride in providing for his family. He was so very proud of his children and loved them so very much. On Thursday, December 9, 2021, Jack died peacefully in his home at the age of 63 years, eight months and six days.

Jack was baptized at the Methodist Church in Magnolia. He was an avid sports fan and followed all teams in the area. He would often be a spoiler of a game's outcome to his son, Micah. He loved shooting guns and was a member of the Rock County Sportsman's Club in Luverne, where he served as a past president of the club and donated his time and talents when able.

Jack is lovingly remembered by his six children, Jessica (Brian) Knips of Magnolia, Melissa (Billy) Cowell of Luverne, Tera (Chris) Morgan of Excelsior, Minnesota, Micah (Dawn) Boomgaarden of Delano, Minnesota, Josh (Alisha) Boomgaarden of Beaver Creek, Minnesota, and Mariah (Ben) Raabe of St. James, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren, Jaden, Collin, Lucy, Tyson, Amira, Hannah, Emma, Harrison, Madeline, Calvin, Nolan, Wells, Lenox, Elouise, and Wesley; father, Alvin Boomgaarden of Luverne; three brothers, Wes (LeAnn) Boomgaarden of Columbus, Ohio, Randy (Joan) Boomgaarden of Zumbrota, Minnesota, and Jeff Boomgaarden of Credit River, Minnesota; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elaine Boomgaarden; and an infant brother, Dale Boomgaarden.
Contributor: Dawn B (51373988)