David John Boen , 62, Minot, died Sunday, January 16, 2011, at his home after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Dave was born August 11, 1948 in Rugby, North Dakota the son of Joseph and Norrine (Johnson) Boen. He was raised at Willow City, until the family moved to Minot in 1955. In 1957, the family moved to Sidney, NE. In 1962, the family moved to Tooele, Utah, returning to Minot in 1963, where Dave graduated from Minot High School in 1966.

Dave attended Minot State and Dickinson State Universities before entering into active duty service with the U.S. Navy in 1968. He was united in marriage to Susan Hyland at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot on March 8, 1969, while on leave with the Navy. Dave proudly served in Hawaii and Washington D.C. before receiving his honorable discharge in 1972.

They returned to Minot and Dave began employment with Burlington-Northern Railway as a conductor. He moved the family to Fargo in 1976, when he became an engineer. He continued in that capacity until he was transferred to Galesburg, IL, as an official with the railroad. That position took him and his family to Burlington, IA, Pasco, WA and Havre, MT, where he retired in 2003 as Superintendent of Operations for the Montana Division of Burlington-Northern after 31 years of service. Although most of Dave's career was in the office, his heart was always in the locomotive cab. Dave loved to ride the trains; it was his passion and he never tired of it. All of his employees were family to him and he tried to treat them that way. He was an active volunteer playing Santa at employee Christmas parties and cooking at company events.

Dave and Sue returned to Minot in 2004 and divided their time between Minot and Arizona for the past several years.

Dave was a former Shriner, as well as a member of the Harley Owners Group and the Dakota Cruisers Car Club. He loved his family, his dogs and his collection of classic cars. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Dave also loved cooking and hosted many dinner parties over the years. His homemade cookies were always in his kitchen. His outgoing personality made him well-known at his beloved Dakota Cruiser events, where he could always be found in one of his favorite cars.

His loving family includes : wife, Susan; son, Brad (Lora) Boen, Minot; daughter, Heidy (Joe) Hupf, Minot; grandchildren, Ethan Boen, Tory & Tylynn Shook; brother, Ron (Carol) Boen, Minot; mother-in-law, Lu Hyland, Minot; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandra.

Celebration of Life Service : Friday, January 21, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.
Visitation : There will be no reviewal, however, friends may sign a memorial register book on Thursday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family prefers memorials be designated to Trinity Hospice, Souris Valley Animal Shelter or Vincent United Methodist Church Sewer's of Love.