July 21, 1958 – November 14, 2025
Clear Lake- Paul Charles Boehnke 67, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 after his battle with ALS(Lou Gehrig’s Disease), at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City, IA surrounded by his loved ones.
A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in care of the family and will be shared in Paul’s memory with organizations close to his heart.
Paul was born July 21, 1958, in Britt, Iowa, the son of Harold and Doris (Swenson) Boehnke. He graduated from Ventura High School and later continued his education at North Iowa Area Community College. Paul spent his early years working side-by-side with his father and grandfather on the family farm, learning the value of hard work.
On March 30, 1985, Paul was united in marriage to Terri Grimm, at St. James Lutheran Church in Mason City. Together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, adventure, and countless stories.
Paul lived life with an adventurous spirit. In his younger years, he enjoyed skiing and slow pitch softball. Later in life he took up cycling and even participated in RAGBRAI however golf was his true passion. He was a regular at All Vets and Linn Grove golf courses with family and friends.
Nearly every weekend of the summer you could find Paul and Terri on their boat enjoying the lake the past several years. They made many memories out at State Park, Farmers Beach or the impromptu tie up with friends. You could sometimes even stop his co-captains Buck and Derby, Paul and Terri’s beloved dogs.
A talented cook and mixologist, Paul knew how to turn any gathering into a good time. He could turn any stranger into a friend with his outgoing personality and fun stories to share. And no matter how busy life became, he started nearly every day at The Elevator and Ventura Mart with his friends—where the conversations, laughter, and stories were just as essential as the coffee.
Paul and Terri made many memories on their various vacations across the country. They made several trips to Florida, fishing, golfing and enjoying the ocean views. Paul also loved snowmobiling. He was part of several trips with family and friends up north and out west but his favorite snowmobiling trips were the ones spent with just Terri. They enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas seeing the sights, entertainment and of course gambling. Paul was quite savvy with the cards and on the slots. This was something he enjoyed his whole life, even up to the end.
Above all, Paul’s greatest joy was his family. He treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished forever. His grandsons could always bring a smile to his face.
Paul is survived by his wife of 40 years, Terri Boehnke; children, Blake Boehnke and wife Kendra Harris, Blair Boehnke and her husband Eric Davis, Stepson Brandon Niedermayer, grandsons Gavin Niedermayer and Langston Boehnke; his mother Doris Boehnke; sisters, Beverly Boehnke and Sharon (Greg) Zirbel; sister-in-law, Julie Grimm and brother-in-law, Todd Humburg along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Paul is preceded in death by his father Harold Boehnke.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mayo Clinic’s ALS center, Mercy In-Home Care, and the ALS Association for their knowledge, support, and compassionate care throughout Paul’s journey.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193
colonialchapels.com