Dennis Robert Boen

Dennis Robert Boen, 69, of Wooster, died Friday, May 3rd at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare after bravely navigating a 38-year journey with kidney disease. 

Dennis was born December 9, 1954, in Dayton, Ohio to Marvin and Jean {Bogard} Boen.

He graduated with a B.A. in Music Education from Heidelberg College in 1977. Music played a profound role in his life. He was a talented conductor, pianist, cellist, and vocalist. 

He married Elsa Ruth Dresch on June 24, 1978. She survives.

Dennis retired from a respected career in the Insurance industry. He considered it a great honor to advise many businesses and non-profits in the community throughout his career. Over recent years, he enjoyed writing his memoir (which outlines his medical journey), lunches filled with lively discussions and friendly debates with his loved ones, and time spent with his family, where he shared his passion for music, puzzles, science, and faith with his granddaughters. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Wooster.  

Throughout his life, Dennis placed high value on relationships and was always working to intentionally invest in them. Whether it was his family; connections with his dear circle of fraternity brothers from Heidelberg and their families; friendships formed through involvement at Trinity United Church of Christ, Kidron Mennonite Church, Central Christian School, or First Presbyterian; strong bonds from Rotary Club of Wooster; or the many colleagues who he worked with over his career, Dennis thoughtfully showed his care to those he loved. 

Dennis will be deeply missed by his wife Elsa Ruth; daughter Jean Lenore (Jarad) Roberts; granddaughters Jocelyn LuAnn and Josie Boen Roberts all of Wooster; mother Jean Boen of Dayton; brother Dan (Jennifer) Boen of Fort Wayne, IN; sisters Diane (Randy) Schwanke of Kettering and Donna Boen of Oxford; brother-in-law Michael Dresch of Cincinnati; sister-in-law Linda Dresch of Hancock, MI; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families.

Dennis has entered into the loving hands of God and was preceded in death by his father Marvin Boen, father-in-law Lester Dresch, mother-in-law Lenore Steege Dresch, brother-in-law Stephen Dresch and sister-in-law Sue Dresch.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to the support system of family and friends who have walked alongside them. They especially wish to thank the medical professionals who were so integral in allowing Dennis to live out his mantra, “quality of life and purpose”. Dr. Matthew Old and Dr. David Carr of The Ohio State Medical Center and their teams. Dr. Chitra Ganta of the Cleveland Clinic for her thoughtful care over the years. Dr. Autumn White of Wooster Community Hospital for her expertise and support over the most recent weeks; and the entire team at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare for their gracious attentiveness and assistance to the entire family. Lastly, to Dr. Uday Nori of The Ohio State Medical Center who was more than a trusted, respected physician throughout the kidney transplant journey - he became a very dear friend. 

It is also important to note extreme gratitude for the selfless kidney donations from his sister Donna, wife Elsa, and a close family friend who wishes to remain anonymous; as well as those who offered to do the same for Dennis over the years. Because of the significant impact kidney donation has had on the family, they wish to encourage you to consider the impact of organ donation.

Roberts Funeral Home-Sherwood Chapel, Wooster is assisting the family. Dennis had been working on his funeral service for a number of years and has thoughtfully and intentionally planned a memorial service, which will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church (and livestreamed at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com/obituaries/Dennis-Boen) with Rev. David Rice officiating. A memorial gathering will take place following the service. Per his wishes, “For visiting with the family, Dennis has selected some of his favorite musical recordings to share. He has arranged for them to be played during the visitation, as well as before and after the funeral service, while you are visiting with the family and each other in the sanctuary or throughout the building. A booklet of these selections will be provided with lyrics. Stay as long or as little as you prefer and are able. The booklet is yours.” Burial will take place at Sandridge Cemetery in Loudonville at 2:30. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691, or Comprehensive Transplant Center Great Need Fund, https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/314265.