Jerry Boysen passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023 at his home in Rowlett, Texas. He was born on January 8, 1945 in Brownwood, Texas to parents, Marcus Waldemar Boysen and Queen Sylvia Elizabeth (Anderson) Boysen.
Jerry grew up working on his family’s ranch in Brownwood, TX. He graduated Brownwood High in 1963 then continued on to college at Howard Payne and then El Centro. He also joined the Army National Guard. In 1965 Jerry received his pilots license.
Jerry later moved to Dallas working at Dallas Power and Light before beginning his own businesses, Boysen Remodeling and Jerik Installation. Jerry worked in residential, commercial and industrial construction for over 40 years before retiring. There wasn’t anything Jerry couldn’t build, fix or rig. He was an accomplished welder, master wood craftsman and builder. His family would say he was the strongest man they’d ever met. Jerry was a hard worker and instilled that desire to work hard in his family.
Jerry met Rhonda in 1979 at a wedding reception of a mutual friend and his first glance at her stopped him in his tracks. They married seven months later on November 17, 1979. Together they had 3 children and then he became Opa to 9 grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Jerry and Rhonda enjoyed traveling and spending time out on the open road together.
Jerry was an avid softball player, number 99. Many weekends were spent at the ball fields with him on the pitchers mound. His years of playing softball led to his nickname “Pappy” and he became known by that name by so many.
Jerry enjoyed gardening, fishing, and hunting. For nearly 40 years, Jerry would make the trek to Colorado to hunt deer and elk each season. He spent much of his free time at the Boysen Ranch, known to the family as Clear Creek, where he taught his kids and his grandkids how to hunt.
Jerry loved to learn. He was a math whiz. He studied biology, chemistry and paleontology just for fun. He could turn any conversation into a lesson. He never met a stranger and after retirement became friends with many college professors who welcomed him into their classrooms.
Jerry loved having fun, playing games and he always had something witty to say. He enjoyed spending time with his family most of all. He loved to teach and tell stories which included ensuring his family history was preserved in the hearts of his loved ones.
Jerry was a firm believer. He had a strong relationship with our Lord. We know he is in heaven rejoicing and we will one day meet again.
He is survived by his wife Rhonda Boysen, son John Boysen and wife Lynda, son JJ Boysen, daughter Jennifer Boysen Hamm and husband Eric and nine grandchildren Hunter Boysen, Caleb Boysen, Payton Boysen, Paige Boysen, Aubrey Hamm, Nataley Hamm, Jed Boysen, Jesse Hamm and Wyatt Boysen. Jerry is also survived by his brother Mark Boysen and wife Sue and brother John Boysen and wife Barbara.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jesse Clyde Boysen.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, Texas at 11:00AM. Services will be officiated by Pastor Shawn Bailey.