Kenneth William Boyer

Kenneth Boyer, age 91, of Roseville MN passed away peacefully of small cell lung cancer at his home on March 20, 2024 with his family by his side. He was born on July 30, 1932 at Aitkin Minnesota to William and Vieno Boyer. He was raised on the family farm along with his three brothers and one sister. He graduated from Aitkin High School in 1950 and spent the next four years running the farm while his brother Richard served in the Army in Korea. In 1954 Ken enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He went to Boot Camp and Radar School at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center then served in the Pacific on the USS Gregory DD-802 and the USS Hopewell DD-681. After the Navy he attended Northwestern Electronics School in Minneapolis and worked for Honeywell Computer Division for 28 ½ years. He always said his biggest accomplishment was installing the first computer in BCBS Minnesota. After retiring at the age of 58 in 1990 he enjoyed over 33 years of retirement. Ken married Gloria Humphrey on May 2, 1959 in McGregor Minnesota. After retirement Ken and Gloria enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and to many foreign countries and sailing on nine cruises. They also enjoyed camping in their travel trailer. Ken enjoyed playing cards especially Bridge and Cribbage. He gave each grandchild a cribbage board, a deck of cards and lessons for their 9th birthdays as that was the age he learned to play. He and Gloria bowled on a couples league for many years and in 2000 he rolled his highest game of 267! After retirement Ken served as an election judge for many years. Ken counted the offering after church on Sundays for years and he helped with funeral lunches – mostly by washing dishes! He was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church for over 60 years, the American Legion, Tin Can Sailors Organization and a charter member and Secretary of the USS Gregory DD-802 Association. He had the privilege to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC in October 2022. But his biggest accomplishment in life was being a wonderful husband and loving and caring father and grandfather who always put his family first.

Ken is survived by his loving wife Gloria of almost 65 years. He is also survived by his son Scott (Kathy) Boyer of Lonsdale, daughter Nancy (Joe) Spencer of South St. Paul and son Keith (Deanna) Boyer of Bloomington. Ken is survived by his five cherished grandchildren: Grant Boyer, Elizabeth (fiancé Devin Miller) Boyer, William Spencer, Hanna Boyer and Amanda Boyer. He is also survived by his brother Lloyd of Brainerd and his sister Dorothy Insley of Aitkin along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, his infant brother Charles, and his brothers Richard and Hubert.

Pallbearers: Grant Boyer, Elizabeth Boyer, William Spencer, Hanna Boyer, Amanda Boyer, Mark Insley, Jeff Boyer, Kelly Loose, Amy Turnock
Trumpeters at cemetery: Scott Boyer, Milt Warkentien

Visitation will be from 5-7 on Monday, March 25th at the Roseville Memorial Chapel (2245 Hamline Ave N, Roseville MN). Services will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Centennial United Methodist Church (1524 West County Road C-2 in Roseville). Visitation with be at 1:00 p.m. and service at 2:00 p.m. with lunch to follow. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Tin Can Sailors, Centennial Church, the American Lung Association or donor’s choice.

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