Jacob Boomgaarden, 92

Jacob John Boomgaarden, 92, of Clearbrook Minnesota, passed away on August 12, 2022. He was born to Albert and Ella Boomgaarden in Pitt, Minnesota on November 13, 1929.

Jacob graduated from Baudette High School in 1947. He attended Bemidji State Teachers College for 2 years, taught at Pitt country school for a year, and then returned to graduate from Bemidji State Teacher's College in 1951. After graduation, Jacob joined the Marine Corps. He was commissioned as an artillery officer and served in Korea. Before shipping out, he married his love, and lifelong partner, Clarice Ames. His daughter Diane was born while he was in Korea.

Upon returning stateside, Jacob taught for a year in Stephen, MN and then moved to a teaching position in Clearbrook in 1955, where his sons, Bradley and Mark, were born. He and Clarice made Clearbrook their lifetime home.

Jacob continued his military service for several more years as an officer with the National Guard. He was President of the Northern Division of the Minnesota Education Association and served as a delegate to the National Education Association Assembly in New York City. He also returned to Bemidji State College where he earned a master’s degree in English. Jacob was very active with the City of Clearbrook and served on the city council and as mayor.

Jacob enjoyed hunting, fishing, maple syruping, reading, music, singing, whistling, teaching, telling stories, and spending time with his family. He appreciated a variety of humor and was well versed from satire to limerick.

Jacob taught at Clearbrook for 52 years. He initially was the Band Director but spent most of his career teaching English and Advanced Literature. He also directed school plays and was the speech coach for many years. "Mr. Boomgaarden" would want to leave behind, sincere appreciation for the many students who blessed and enriched his life over the years. Teaching was his passion and his purpose. "A good teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Mr. Boomgaarden was dedicated to inspiring the love of learning and it gave him great joy and satisfaction.

Jacob was preceded in death by his mother, Ella; his father, Albert; his sister, Vera; and his brothers, Albert, Marvin, DeWayne, Leon, and Eldon. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Clarice; his daughter, Diane Saar; his sons, Bradley (Paula) Boomgaarden and Mark (Laura) Boomgaarden; his brother, Steven; his 8 grandchildren; and his 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 27th, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Elim Lutheran Brethren Church in Clearbrook, Minnesota with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be held at the Elim Lutheran Brethren Cemetery in Clearbrook, MN. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.

Messages of condolence may be sent to ceasefuneralhome.com