Bertram Boyum

Bert Boyum, age 106, of Rushford, Minn., died at his home in Rushford on Sunday, December 8, 2024. In his own words:

I arrived at the farm home of Martin K. and Cora (Swiggum) Boyum on September 20, 1918. The farm was near Grover in Fremont Township. I attended the Grover one room country school through eighth grade. One of the highlights in grade school was when I built a bird house in manual training class. It had rounded windows, a porch with railings made from wood sticks from candy suckers, and a round chimney made from a bored-out pitchfork handle. It won first prize at the Winona County Fair. After graduating from Peterson High School, I worked on the family farm for my dad. On October 10, 1940, I married Evangeline Holland in a double wedding when my brother Chester married Evangeline’s twin sister Ellenore. We rented the home farm until 1944 when I, with my family, two daughters, Donna and Loretta, moved to a neighbor’s farm. Son Murt arrived in 1947. In 1955 I started in the insurance business, and later became a real estate broker, and eventually, an auctioneer. One of the highlights of the business was when I was inducted into the Minnesota Auctioneer’s Association Hall of Fame. I was a lifetime member of the Arendahl Lutheran Church, having served in many offices. I also enjoyed Mow’s from senior dining for many years, and was a Sons of Norway member. I previously served on the Good Shepherd Board, along with many other boards. I was instrumental alongside Robert Bunke with getting telephones to Grover School in Fremont. I also hold the distinction of being the oldest auctioneer in the state of Minnesota.

I am survived by my daughters Donna Boyum and Loretta Semmen, son: Murt (Sharon) Boyum; step-daughter Julie, siblings Edith (Russ) Sawyer, and Karrol (Olive Ann) Boyum; ,grandchildren Jamey Boyum, Randy Boyum, Kristin Jennings, Pamela (Rusty) Schroeder, Chad (Jenni) Semmen, Monte (Megan) Boyum, Mitch (Katrina) Boyum, Lance (Sarah) Boyum, and Brady Boyum; and several great-grandchildren. 

I am preceded in death by my parents;, first wife, Evangeline (Holland) Boyum; second wife, Charlotte (Blagsvedt) Boyum; and siblings Chester Boyum, Ardith Boyum and Corrine Olness.

I would like to extend the sincerest thank you to Jeff and Patty Bunk, Bill Peterson, “the table of knowledge,” and Alan Skalet for all the visits and good memories. 

For easier accessibility, my service will be held at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church in Peterson, Minn., on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 10 a.m., with Rev. Sarah Walker Brown officiating. Visitation will be Monday, December 16, from 4-7 p.m. at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. 

Hoff Funeral Home Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to leave an online condolence.