Howard Boller

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Howard Boller, 88, of Smithton, IL, born May 8, 1934, in Belleville, IL, died Saturday, December 17, 2022, at his residence.

Howard, a wonderful husband and dad, was a force of nature. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t tackle. As a child, he was always moving, keeping his mom very busy caring for him. This high energy carried into his adult life. He enlisted in the Army and spent his tour of duty in Ponce, Puerto Rico, loving every minute of it. He spent 34 years as an educator at High Mount School and worked part-time for 28 years at Home Brite in the paint department. Hard work defined him.

He loved his role as a teacher. His goal was to impart his love of history to his students. He was innovative and energizing, inspiring his students to set high goals and attain them. Reach for the stars was his motto. He was a basketball, baseball, and softball coach, but it was his role as a basketball coach which allowed his skills to shine. He took his team to the 1968 and 1969 Feeder Tournaments, with them emerging as champions-an amazing feat for a school without a gym.

At home, taking care of the lawn was his passion, He was the first one on the street to start cutting grass in the spring and the last one to put away his lawn tractor.

In his downtime, he enjoyed playing Rummy and Trivial Pursuit with his in-laws and Poker with his buddies. He loved his vacations in Florida with his wife, spending time at the beach and playing the penny slot machines. He loved life, and he loved making people laugh. His smile could light up a room.

He often said, though, that his greatest accomplishment in life was his daughter, of whom he was very proud. He will be deeply missed. As one former student said, “They broke the mold when Mr. B was born.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Rose, nee Siroky, Boller; a sister-in-law, Mary Boller; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jesse and Audrey Tinoco.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia Tinoco;
a daughter, Kim (Steve) Pope;
three grandchildren, Steven Scott Pope II, Clayton (Madison) Pope, and DeAnna Lee Pope;
a brother, Wayne Boller;
and his in-laws, Jean (Richard) Schaefer, Mary (John) Peter, and Janet Tinoco (Robert Pollard).

Memorials may be made to St. Michael’s Church, Shriners Hospital, or Association of the Miraculous Medal Address: 1811 West Saint Joseph St. Perryville, MO 63775. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit, Tuesday December 20, 2022, from 4 to 7 p.m. at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at St. Michael’s Church Paderborn, IL.

Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday December 21, 2022, with Fr. Jim Voelker officiating.

Burial with military honors will be held at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Condolences:

25 Comments on Howard Boller

Enya (Zenarosa) Timmermann said : Guest Report Jan 02, 2023 at 12:02 PM

So sorry to hear of your loss. Mr Boller was and will always be one of my favorite teachers at High Mount School. His quick wit, sense of humor, and ability to relate with his students taught all of us many life lessons. He was truly one of a kind. We share in your sorrow with his passing- sending many prayers.

  • Edwardsville
  • IL
Kelly (Pigott) Roethlisberger said : Guest Report Dec 26, 2022 at 10:39 AM

Ms. Tinoco- I am so very sorry to hear of Mr B's passing. I attended High only one year, 1987, but Mr. B and you left a permanent impression in my head and my heart. I loved his history class, but i must say you have always been my favorite teacher. May God bless you and comfort you and welcome Mr. B into His open arms!

  • Waterloo
  • Il
Steven Pennington said : Guest Report Dec 25, 2022 at 7:26 PM

One of my favorite teachers at High Mount. Super cool with his MGB GT. Loves sent from Long Beach California!!!

  • Long Beach
  • CA
Robin Dermody said : Guest Report Dec 24, 2022 at 10:02 PM

I loved Mr. B’s history class in eighth grade. He was one of my favorite teachers and inspired me to be a teacher. I’m so sorry for your loss, Ms. Tinoco.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Katy (Skifton) Little said : Guest Report Dec 24, 2022 at 8:17 PM

Mr. B was one of the great teachers! He and Miss T left a lasting impressions on their students. I loved my time at High Mount and was lucky to have them both. I still remember those dollar bills Mr B drew of students. Deepest condolences to his family.

  • Troy
  • IL
Angie (Calvin) Johnson said : Guest Report Dec 24, 2022 at 7:09 PM

Ms T and family - sending my deepest condolences. Mr. Boller was the best teacher! I graduated from high mount in 1987. He left an indelible mark on all of his students. His love of history and enthusiasm made learning fun! He will be missed.

  • Winston-Salem
  • Nc
Jenny Amlung Barradas said : Guest Report Dec 21, 2022 at 9:22 PM

My heartfelt condolences and prayers to Mr. Booker’s family, especially Ms. T! What a great and funny human he was! The fun that he brought to my 8th grade year is one of the things that inspired me to become a teacher myself! He was a true original that will be so missed! So blessed that I had the privilege of calling him my teacher!

  • Belleville
  • IL
Sharon Wisniewski Groom said : Guest Report Dec 21, 2022 at 6:18 PM

Mr. Boller was a true educator. He taught me at High Mount School during 1976/1977 and I have always loved history because of him. My greatest adventure was when he had the class paint his classroom in honor of the 1976 BiCentennial. And of course going to Home Brite during the summer time and see him working there. Was a great man and educator.

  • Largo
  • FL
Sarah Emke-Sullivan said : Guest Report Dec 21, 2022 at 12:42 PM

I loved Mr. Boller as my 8th grade teacher. He was so awesome and would make classroom dollar bills to learn finance and he would draw cartoon faces of the students on the currency. So many other stories like this and he was a true blessing. He will be missed.

  • Fishers
  • Indiana
Judy Schmidt said : Guest Report Dec 21, 2022 at 11:35 AM

I was so sorry Patti to learn of Howard's passing - he was a great teacher and role model - and a continued mentor to people who touched his life - you will be in my prayers for peace of heart --

  • Lincoln
  • NE
Sharon Frierdich said : Guest Report Dec 21, 2022 at 9:49 AM

Dear PT and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am so sorry for your loss. Sharon

  • Madison
  • WI
Pat Tallant said : Guest Report Dec 21, 2022 at 1:04 AM

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your dear husband/father/grandfather. I knew Howard from my uncle Karl e ho

  • OFallon
  • IL
Patricia Tallant said : Guest Report Dec 20, 2022 at 10:10 PM

Having a funeral is such a sad time but having it this time of year is even sadder, especially for the family. My heart goes out to you Kim and Mrs. Boller and I pray that your spirits can endure the heaviness and loss that you feel right now. I knew Howard through my uncle Karl Bramstedt who was a good friend of his brother Wayne. I also know Kim through her visits to her grandmother in Mascoutah. She spent much time playing with my kids, especially Lisa ( the Talleys) . My sincere condolences and regrets that I nor Lisa w

  • OFallon
  • IL
Jennifer (Knox) Sparks said : Guest Report Dec 20, 2022 at 9:58 PM

Mr. Boller was such a great teacher and hands-down, my favorite teacher ever. I remember so many good times in his classroom. I've thought of him often over the years. My sympathies to Mrs. Tinoco and his family...the world lost a good one.

  • O'Fallon
  • IL
Debbie Groh Husted said : Guest Report Dec 20, 2022 at 6:03 PM

Kim, I am saddened to read of your father. I remember when your parents rented the apartment on 42nd St. from my parents. Your father was a wonderful person and truly enjoyed teaching. I would love to have attended the funeral but I am out of town. Peace and love to you and your family.

  • O’Fallon
  • Illinois
Karen (Peter) Sparks said : Guest Report Dec 20, 2022 at 3:18 PM

So sorry for your loss. Howard was a great teacher. I am from the HMS class of 69 and when we started having class reunion, he was at them. He will be freatly missed

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Christina Kelley said : Guest Report Dec 20, 2022 at 9:53 AM

Mr. Boller was one of my teachers and he was so kind and amazing! He will truly be missed! Condolences to his entire family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Christopher Tell said : Guest Report Dec 19, 2022 at 4:05 PM

Mr. B was one of the best! He truly loved his family, teaching and his love for Dodgeball! If you went to High Mount and had Mr B as an 8th Grade teacher, you knew this! He will be missed by so many Students and Staff!

  • Swansea
  • IL
Margaret Schrauth said : Guest Report Dec 19, 2022 at 2:01 PM

So sad to hear about Mr. Boller's passing away. He was one of my favorite teachers at High Mount. I remember several of the stories he used to tell us. He'll be missed, Ms. Tinoco-Boller your in my prayers along with the rest of his family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Richard Binder said : Guest Report Dec 19, 2022 at 1:39 PM

My condolences to the family. I remember Howard as a basketball coach. His booming voice was a highlight. RIP my fellow coach.

  • Smithton
  • Il
Amanda (Gain) Meyer said : Guest Report Dec 19, 2022 at 1:28 PM

Mr. Boller was my favorite substitute teacher at HMS. Each of us was excited when we walked in and saw him in the classroom. Sharing in your sorrow and sending prayers for your comfort. Try to take solace in the many years of wonderful memories shared. Amanda Gain - Class of 2002

  • St. Charles
  • MO
Joy Harth said : Guest Report Dec 19, 2022 at 1:02 PM

He couldn't possibly know how much he was loved by his students. He made us all better people. ❤️

  • Shiloh
  • Il
Cheri Foree said : Guest Report Dec 19, 2022 at 12:55 PM

Mr. Boller was an extraordinary teacher, mentor and, eventually, colleague. His passion for teaching and for history was evident in everything he did. His love for his students showed in the classroom and with all the sports he coached. I was blessed to continue my friendship with him after I became a teacher and was told to stop calling him "Mr. Boller". He was just "Howard". He will never be just Howard to me. He will hold a special place in my heart as long as I live. Rest in peace, dear friend. The lives you've touched are beyond measure.

  • FT WORTH
  • TX
Rick Foree said : Guest Report Dec 19, 2022 at 12:16 PM

Patty, I apologize that I will not be able to make it up from Texas for Howard's funeral. I suspect that our family will be represented by my sister and possibly my Mom. I really wish that I could be there to pay my final respects to a man that I have looked up to for most of my life. He was a treasure to many of us, an inspiration and a friend. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you, knowing that you just lost your Mother and now Howard in just a few short weeks. My prayers are for you, Howard's daughter and your families. Rick

  • Midlothian
  • Texas
Diane Patrick said : Guest Report Dec 19, 2022 at 11:54 AM

Mr. Boller was so much more than my 8th Grade Teacher. His passion for teaching was evident, but he always did more. He was involved in so many sports activities and started the HMS Student Council in 1972. So many of us remained in contact with him. To say he was beloved is an understatement. RIP

  • Maryville
  • IL

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