Dr Russell R. Boehlke

Dr. Russell "Doc" Boehlke passed away in Fort Collins on July 17, 2016 at the age of 89. The fifth of six children, Russ was born in the family farmhouse to Emma and Fred Boehlke in Stewart, Minnesota. He grew up a farmer, graduated from the local country school, and always prided himself on working the farm. His family life was built on church, hard work, community, and, whenever possible, softball and fishing. He graduated from Westmar College in Iowa with a major in animal husbandry.

While attending a summer session at Lake Koronis Assembly, Russ met Donna Schendel, a beautiful, newly graduated RN who was working there. They were married 66 years ago, on September 9, 1950. Donna inspired Russ to attend medical school, and Dr. Boehlke graduated with his MD from the University of Minnesota in 1955. After serving in the Public Health Service as an Indian Health Services doctor in Baltimore, Miami Beach, and Cass Lake, MN, the family returned to Minneapolis where Doc began a residency in the then-fledgling field of ophthalmology.
In 1960, upon completing his residency, the Boehlke family moved to Fort Collins where Dr. Boehlke joined the ophthalmological practice of Dr. George Garrison, and subsequently founded the clinic that became the Eye Center of Northern CO. In 1983, Dr. Boehlke accepted a fellowship at the University of Mississippi to master the intraocular lens implantation technique that he went on to introduce to northern Colorado. Over his career, Dr. Boehlke served patients for over 40 years, principally in the Fort Collins area.

Russ and Donna Boehlke were charter members of the Christ United Methodist Church in Fort Collins, where he started and then directed the youth choir for many years. Doc sought the Lord throughout his life and was never hesitant to profess his faith in Jesus Christ. During his career, Doc developed a strong interest in Christian medical missions. He, Donna, and various family members made nine annual mission trips to Africa, restoring sight to countless patients at the Kissy Eye Clinic in Sierra Leone. They also performed medical mission service together aboard the Hope Ship to Brazil, and in clinics in Haiti and Belize.

Doc was a faithful father to his four daughters and son. He took the family skiing at Medicine Bow, fishing in Canada, horseback riding in the Rawahs, and canoeing on the boundary waters. Doc coached his three older daughters into a vocal trio that performed and competed locally through their high school years. He organized family trips to Europe, Israel, Africa, and South America. At home he was always up for a family hymn-sing, or rescuing Mario's princess, or a "friendly" game of Rook. And Doc could always be counted on to provide a quick lecture on nutrition or investment strategy, or detailed instruction in the fine arts of juice-making, lawn-grooming, or cow eye dissection.

Doc loved to play softball. He learned to play on the farm, and continued to play with passion into his 50s. His love of both softball and daughter Ann led him in 1975 to create the Buckaroos. The Buckaroos were the first competitive girls fast-pitch team in northern Colorado and Doc was the founder and first head coach. In its first year, clad in mismatched t-shirts and cutoff jeans, the girls won regionals; the next year they took state. Many road trips and many regional, state, and even national achievements followed. As a direct result of his 20 years of coaching and leadership, hundreds of girls in Fort Collins have had the chance to play softball at a highly competitive level, to earn college scholarships, and even to go on to coach at the Division I college level.

Russ was a tenacious, thorough worker who epitomized perseverance. When he set his mind to something, he would invest all of his time and effort to master any task or accomplish any goal. This characteristic held true in his hobbies, his work, his family, and serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dr. Boehlke is survived by his beloved wife, Donna and four of their children—Stacy Heikes, Patty Hurley, Jim Boehlke, and Ann Boehlke—and their spouses; 18 grandchildren and their spouses; six great-grandchildren; his sister, Florey Hendrickson of Crosby, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Dr. Boehlke in death were his daughter, Mary Wierman; his parents, Emma and Fred Boehlke; four brothers and sisters; and their spouses.

In lieu of flowers those who wish may donate to the Kissy Eye Clinic, Sierra Leone, West Africa in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.

A Memorial Service will be held at Drake Christian Church, 608 East Drake Road in Fort Collins on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. A hymn sing and reception will follow.