John H. Boessen, age 79, of St. Thomas, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born in St. Thomas on April 20, 1928, son of Anton and Alma (Lueckenotto) Boessen, both deceased. On November 21, 1953, in St. Thomas, he was married to Irene Catherine Groner, who survives at the home.

He was a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War serving from 1951 until 1953. He was wounded and received a Purple Heart on September 27, 1952. He worked as a carpenter for Ben Volmert and as a farmer until his retirement. He liked to hunt, garden, whittle, and play cards. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, the Men's Sodality, and the Jefferson City VFW Post 1003.

Others survivors include eight children, Carol Ann Bilyeu and husband Gary of Wardsville, John L. Boessen Jr. and wife Janet of St. Thomas, Leon H. Boessen and wife Donna of St. Thomas, Rose Marie Bax and husband John of Wardsville, Elizabeth "Betty" Jane Backes and husband Doug of Westphalia, Dennis "Butch" Boessen and Crystal of St. Elizabeth, Anthony "Tony" Boessen of St. Thomas, and Bernard "Ben" Boessen and Charlene of St. Elizabeth; one brother, David Boessen of St. Thomas; three sisters, Bernadine Bax of St. Elizabeth, Agnes Benne of St. Charles, and Sister Anne Boessen of Wardsville; 12 grandchildren, seven step grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and nine step great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Phillip and Norbert Boessen; one sister, Flora Kirkweg; and five grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 24, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Rev. Mark Porterfield will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in St. Thomas Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday at the St. Thomas Knights of Columbus Hall with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.