Irene F. Boes
Irene F. Boes (née Brickner), 94, of Alvada, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at her home Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Born December 10, 1930, in rural Carey, Ohio, at her Grandma Arend's house, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Anna Mary (Arend) Brickner. Irene graduated from Hopewell-Loudon High School in 1948, where she was class secretary.
She and her beloved husband, Gerald Boes, were united in marriage June 25, 1949, and were blessed with eight children. The couple first met at a dance at Meadowbrook Park, where their love story began and blossomed into a 55-year partnership of faith, family, and love.
Irene was preceded in death by Gerald; two of their children, Thomas Boes and Cheryl Boes; her siblings, Raymond, Norman, Rosetta, Esther, and Mary Jane; and son-in-law, Douglas Bouillon.
She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Shirley) Boes, Ronald (Shirley) Boes, Charlene Wickham, Carol (Aidan) Jenot, Diane (Christopher) Allison, and Linda Bouillon. Irene was a devoted grandmother to Melvin (Kristin) Boes, Neal (Lindsey) Boes, Tiffany Boes, Dustin Boes, Zachary Boes, Laura Boes, Sherry Blakley, Jerry (JaneAnn) Wickham, Kelly (Jill) Wickham, Amanda (Chad) Whitman, Matthew (April) Allison, Sean Allison, and Thomas (Sarah) Baker. In addition to her family, Irene is also survived by a close family friend, Tonya Ridenour. Irene was also a beloved great-grandmother and proud great-great-grandmother, leaving behind five generations, a testament to the love and strength she nurtured in others throughout her life.
A lifelong homemaker, Irene worked hard gardening and canning food to preserve for her family. She enjoyed doing puzzles and visiting local clubs for games of chance. Irene was an active member of her community and belonged to several organizations, including All Saints Parish, All Saints Rosary Altar Society, New Riegel American Legion Auxiliary, New Riegel Moose, Fostoria Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Fostoria Eagles, Fostoria VFW, and Fostoria/Bascom Right to Life. Irene also enjoyed traveling on trips and hosting family get-togethers. Irene cherished the time spent catching up with friends and family and was happiest surrounded by the people she loved. A devout Catholic, her faith was a guiding light in her life that she shared with others.
Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Monday, August 4, 2025, and from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at HOENING & SON FUNERAL HOME, 133 W. Tiffin Street, Fostoria, Ohio 44830, where the funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Thomas Merrill O.F.M.-Conv. presiding. Burial will follow at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Alvada. Following the burial, there will be a luncheon at New Riegel American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Fostoria/Bascom Right to Life or Bridge Home Health and Hospice, Findlay.
Online expressions of sympathy and shared memories may be made by visiting
www.hoeningfuneralhome.com
Published by The Advertiser-Tribune on Aug. 2, 2025.