Arthur E. Boxrucker

1927-2020

Arthur E. Boxrucker, 93, of Prairie du Chien, passed away Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 at Great River Care Center in McGregor, Ia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Church of the Holy Family Parish with burial in the Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien, Msgr. Charles Stoetzel officiating. Military honors will be accorded graveside by the Prairie du Chien Honor Guard. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

He was born Mar. 24, 1927 in Abbotsford, the son of John and Mary (Pueschner) Boxrucker. After his education, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a Communication Technician Senior Chief. Working in cryptography, he had duty stations in Washington D.C., Japan, Hawaii, Australia, and Virginia. Arthur married Hannah Irene (Barb) Boxrucker on Oct. 25, 1950. Together they had 8 children and were married for 51 years until she preceded him in death on Dec. 5, 2001. He retired from the Navy after 30 years of service and began a second career as a dairy farmer on 210 acres outside of Prairie du Chien. He retired from farming in 1990, after 20 years.

Arthur then married again to Celine Zirngibl of Stetsonville. They were married for 14 years and lived on the farm until moving to Great River Care Center in McGregor, Ia. Celine also preceded him in death on Mar. 31, 2017.

Arthur enjoyed leatherworking, spending time in the woods clearing brush/cutting wood, playing cribbage and was an avid reader. He supported the ministry of Fr. Paul Fagen in Tanzania, Africa for many years. Arthur was also a hospice volunteer at the Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital and a member of the Holy Family Parish. He was affiliated with the US Navy Cryptography Association.

He is survived by seven of his eight children, Bruce (Jeanette) Boxrucker, Gail (Andy) Howard, Paul (Lauri) Boxrucker, Kent Boxrucker, John (Jodi) Boxrucker, Monica (Dan) Schneider, and Scott Boxrucker; Luci Morrissey; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous step-children and step-grandchildren.

In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen Langteau; two brothers, Louis and Lawrence Boxrucker; his son, Mark Boxrucker; and his grandson, Kyle Boxrucker.

The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family.

Paid Obituary 97721