Joel was a 1971 graduate of Freeburg Community High School and 1974 graduate of Ranken Technical College. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years and retired from Broadway Ford after 37 years as a Transmission Mechanic.
He has served proudly on the Smithton Zoning Board, Smithton Village Board, Smithton Grade School Board, and most recently has been appointed to both the FSH Water Commission and SLM Water Commission.
Joel was a past Commander of the Smithton American Legion GEM Post 937 and past President and Treasurer of the Smithton Turner Society. He was also a dedicated member of the St. John’s United Church of Christ and enjoyed being a member of the Smithton Historical Society.
Joel was an avid sports fan and throughout his life enjoyed attending both his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and participated in numerous golf leagues. A special thanks to Gary Huwer, Curt Gericke, Don “Moose” Elkins, Dick Mense, Willis Steiger, and Rick Weygandt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alice, nee Waeltz, Boeving; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Delmar and Nina, nee Troutman, Harbison; a brother, Richard “Dick” Boeving; two brothers-in-law, Tony Becherer and Jim Bazzel; and a sister-in-law, Karon Harbison.
Surviving are his wife of almost 50 years, Deborah, nee Harbison, Boeving, whom he married on June 28, 1974; a daughter, Jamie (Chris) Joseph and a son, Joel (Holly) Boeving; three grandchildren, Olivia Joseph, Amelia “Mia” Boeving, and Brooks Boeving; a sister, Kathy Ruhmann; a brother, Kent (Debra) Boeving; two sisters-in-law, Kay Bazzel and Carol Boeving; a brother-in-law, Gary Harbison; along with numerous nieces and nephews and many loving friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted in Joe’s memory to the Freeburg Baseball and Softball hitting facility. Checks can be made out to FCHS77: Memo: Baseball/Softball facility. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. An American Legion ritual will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Funeral: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Brian Damrow officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Smithton City Cemetery, Smithton, IL.