David (Dave) Anthony Boessen, age 78, of St. Thomas, departed this life at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 14, 2021. He was born in St. Thomas on January 2, 1943, youngest son of the late Anton and Alma (Lueckenotto) Boessen. On August 20, 1966, at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Frankenstein, Dave was united in marriage to Agnes Schaefer, who survives at their home.

Dave was born and raised on his family century farm in rural St. Thomas overlooking the Osage River. He went to elementary school at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School. At the age of 16, he ended his schooling early at Helias High School to follow his passion, working on the family farm.

For over 60 years, Dave was up before daylight and working until dark on the Century farm he called Foggy River Farms.  He found it peaceful to be on his 7600 Ford tractor, plowing the river bottom grounds and being able to look out over his crop fields.  He found joy in raising a large garden and a huge truck patch of sweet corn.  Dave shared his overabundant harvest of fruits and vegetables with friends and neighbors, throwing in a good story or two as well.  On Friday nights you could find him in the stands cheering on the Blair Oaks Falcons. He liked trotline fishing and fishing with the grandkids at the lake. Dave enjoyed visiting with his friends and neighbors, but his favorite moments were the ones spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He devoted many years volunteering at the St. Thomas Fire Department. Dave was a lifelong member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas. He was a model of faith and fortitude for his six children.

In addition to his loving wife, Agnes Boessen, he is also survived by six children, David (Linda) Boessen of St. Thomas, Janice (Carl) Struemph of St. Elizabeth, Eric (Roseanne) Boessen of St. Thomas, Sandy (Paul) Koetting of Marys Home, Rhonda (Curt) Heckemeyer of St. Elizabeth, and Fred (Mandi) Boessen of St. Thomas; 16 grandchildren, Jessie Peters, Clayton Boessen, Drew Boessen, Tyler Struemph, Levi Struemph, Mackenzie Struemph, Keith Boessen, Kristin Boessen, Dylan Koetting, Paige Chapman, Brady Heckemeyer, Nick Heckemeyer, Ellie Boessen, Sadie Boessen, Carson Boessen, and Jack Boessen; seven great-grandchildren, Beckett and Bodie Peters, Grayson and Arya Struemph, Emery and Konley Chapman, and Hazel Koetting; one sister, Sister Anne Boessen of Wardsville; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by three brothers, Phillip, John and Norbert Boessen and three sisters, Flora Kirkweg, Bernadine Bax, and Agnes Benne.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Fr. Leonard Mukiibi officiating. Interment will be held in St. Thomas Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 5 p.m., on Monday, May 17, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.