Ralph Edward Boehm Jr.

Ralph Edward “Junior” Boehm, Jr., 35, of Helena, Mont., died Aug. 26, 2003, in El Paso, Texas.

Ralph Edward “Junior” Boehm, Jr. joined the Navy on July 15, 1986, where he was stationed in San Diego as a PSNR. He completed a successful tour of duty aboard the Constellation and advanced to PN2. Ralph left the Navy in July 1990. In 1992, Ralph returned to the Navy where he was stationed at Whidbey Island. During that tour he went from MS3 to PN2. He was stationed at Whidbey for 10 years and advanced to PN1 and also received the Aviation Warfare Medal.

Ralph was also connected with Prestigious Underway Emergency Team, Emergency Blood Drives, a successful base recycling program and coordinated blood drives.

In April 2003, Ralph was transferred to El Paso as a Naval recruiting classifier for the Navy Recruiting District in San Antonio, Texas. He had high praises from all of his superiors. Ralph’s personal awards included the Naval Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation (4 awards), Naval Unit Commendation and various other campaign and service awards.

Growing up, Junior enjoyed many AWANA trips with the Helena Alliance Church and tutored other children. He graduated from Helena High in 1985. Immediately following graduation he joined the military due to the influences of Ralph Boehm, Sr. and Ralph Cook.

Junior was born Sept. 6, 1967, to Ralph and Tonie Boehm. He enjoyed a variety of activities one of which is spending time with his kids, parents and brothers and sisters, and of course all of his friends. Fishing was one of the activities he loved and he was known to catch a few even while sleeping. He also enjoyed visiting with strangers, who after the conversation was over, were considered a friend.

Ralph Boehm, Jr. was married to Sara Michelle Davis and had two children, Levi and Nora Boehm, from a previous marriage and son Sean Thatcher. The loves of his life were his wife, his children and his family.

He was preceded in death by his infant sister Debby; brother, Michael Boehm; and grandparents, Stanford King and Dick (Esther) Ward.

Survivors included his wife, Sara Michelle of El Paso, Texas; children, Levi and Nora May Boehm of Oak Harbor; parents, Ralph (Tonie) Boehm of East Helena, Mont.; sisters, Marcey (Richard) Shilton of Cabazon, Calif., and Ardis (Jeff) Larsen of Lakeside; brothers, Mark (Heidi) Boehm of Missoula and Mike (Kelly) Boehm of Lakeside; grandmother, Hilda King of Butte, Mont.; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and friends , especially Ralph Cook who Junior considered a father figure and a friend.

A funeral service was held Sept. 5; interment followed at Montana State Veterans Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Sara Michelle Boehm, 4130 Ellerthorpe Ave., El Paso, Texas.