Ralph Boerste

Ralph Boerste, 94, of Tell City, passed away Friday, March 21st, 2025, at Oakwood Health Campus.

He was born April 19th, 1930, to the late William and Ruth Boerste. He graduated from Tell City High School in 1948.

Ralph was united in marriage on January 15th, 1951, to Donora Arnold. They shared 57 years together before her passing in December of 2008.

He was the owner and operator of Boeste's 66 in Tell City, for over 39 years, where he employed many student athletes over the years. Ralph was also a well known and loved bus driver for Tell City- Troy Township School Corporation, transporting students safely to school, athletics, and band activities, for nearly 35 years.

He was a member of the Perry County Community Foundation, Tell City Historical Society, Sons of the American Legion, and performed Lay Ministry for S.P.R.E.D. In his spare time Ralph enjoyed woodworking, traveling, camping, and hunting rabbit and deer.

Surviving are his son, Dean Boerste (Pam Hagedorn) of Tell City, and 6 nieces Gwen Young, Nancy James, Beverly York, Sheila Kirchgessner, Colleen Berry-Hahn, and Sarah Beth Freeman; sister-in-law, Deanna Freeman; and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Donnie Boerste; 2 sisters, LaVerne Johnson and Evelyn Berry; and a daughter-in-law, Candice Boerste.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Tony Hollowell officiating.

Special thank you to Oakwood Health Campus and Gentiva Hospice for helping and keeping Ralph comfortable in his final days.

Memorial contributions can be made to Ms. Candy's Kids for Autistic Children c/o Dean Boerste, 3755 Oxford Lane Tell City, IN, 47586. This is a non for profit organization created when Ralph's daughter-in-law passed away. It helps autistic children and their families with their challenges in education and their personal life. Donations may also be made to St. Paul Catholic Church in Tell City, IN.

Condolences may be left at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com

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