James “Jim” E. Boerhave, age 87 of Prior Lake, formerly of Pipestone, passed away on December 9, 2017. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 4-6PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake. A funeral service will be Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 11AM with a visitation 1-hour prior all at Immanuel United Methodist Church, Corcoran, MN. Jim will be laid to rest at Maple Knoll Cemetery in Maple Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the MN Land Surveyor’s Foundation, care of Dennis Purcell, 1399 Wood Duck Trail, Shakopee, MN, 55379.
On December 14, 1929 in O’Brien Country, IA., parents Fred and Jeanette (Dykstra) Boerhave celebrated the birth of their son, James Evert Boerhave. He was the second of six children to be born and raised on the family farm. Jim attended school in Pipestone, MN before enlisting in the United States Army in 1949. Before this he served in the Minnesota National Guard. He proudly served as a heavy equipment mechanic during the Korean War until 1952 when he was honorably discharged.
Following his military service, Jim returned home to the family farm. While his father wanted him to take over the farm, Jim had a different goal in mind—he wanted to continue his education and be a land surveyor. Having completed his GED in the service, Jim furthered his education at Dunwoody College of Technology.
For Jim, being a registered land surveyor was more than a job, it was his true passion. He loved every aspect of the job from meeting with people, drafting, and computing. Jim was proud to run his own business in Prior Lake—Boerhave Land Surveying. He considered it a privilege to work with private property owners and loved to educate people, as well as advocate for their projects. He was meticulous with his work and believed in doing things right the first time.
Jim was a member of the Minnesota Land Surveyors Association. He was honored to serve as president in 1981 and was instrumental in starting a scholarship fund for people interested in surveying. Jim was privileged to attend conventions throughout the United States. One of Jim’s favorite activities while traveling was trying the local cuisine. Jim was also a proud member of the Prior Lake VFW and the Republican party.
While Jim was dedicated to his work, he was more dedicated to his family. Jim’s life was enriched at a dance hall on April Fool’s day, 1953, when he met Sandra Sutter, a friend of his sister’s, who needed a ride home. This began a wonderful chapter of Jim’s life. On November 6, 1953 Jim and Sandra exchanged wedding vows at Pipestone United Methodist. Their union was blessed with three children and 64 years of marriage. The family lived in numerous places before settling in Prior Lake to raise their family.
Jim was a true family man. He never missed a family event whether it was a graduation, wedding, or funeral. Along with his family, Jim enjoyed spending summers golfing and being at the family’s cabin. In the winters, Jim and Sandra would winter in Arizona where they were joined by cousins and friends. Always a go-getter, Jim went pheasant hunting with his sons and other family members until he was 86 years old.
Jim had a way with people. Even when faced with dementia and no longer vocal, he was able to connect with those who cared for him—his family, friends, and the caring staff at Friendship Village of Bloomington. Jim was a kind, generous man who believed in honesty and enjoying life. His legacy will be cherished by his wife of 64 years, Sandra; children, Ross (Lynn) Boerhave, Nancy Riesgraf, Glen Boerhave; grandchildren, Adam Boerhave, Grant (Jennifer) Boerhave, Rachel (Jeremy Walker) Riesgraf; siblings, Joyce Buhman, Edna Thingvold, Merle (Ray) Rauch, Evert (Coco) Boerhave. Preceded in death by parents; granddaughter, Lauren Riesgraf; sister, Wilma (Lyman) Wakefield; brother-in-law, Don Buhman.
Arrangements with Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake.
