BOONE, Iowa—Daryl G. Boelman passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026, at the age of 93. Daryl was both a gentle man and a gentleman. He will be remembered for his little shake of your elbow when he visited with you, his gentle teasing, and his sense of humor. In later years, his response to how he was doing was always, “Not bad for an old guy.”
Daryl was born in Belmond, Iowa, the youngest of eight children. Following high school graduation, he attended the University of Dubuque where he met his future wife, Ruth Candelaria. They were married in 1954. Daryl began his career in education teaching at the elementary level for 8 years. In that time, he earned his Masters of Education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. He became an elementary principal in 1963 and moved to Boone in 1965 where he remained until his retirement in 1994. Throughout his career in education, he was an advocate for students and staff. He remembered the names and faces of the students and families that he had worked with even during his time living at Westhaven.
Daryl was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Boone. He volunteered with many organizations including SHIIP, RSVP, Habitat for Humanity, and the Salvation Army. Daryl also enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends in Iowa and New Mexico and across the country. His final years were spent at Westhaven Community in Boone.
Daryl was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, his parents and siblings, and his special friend and companion, Patricia Hauser. His memory will be cherished by his daughters: Dara (Gary) McLeod and Joleen (John) Kile; his granddaughters: Kiersten (Jeff) Ogden, Jennifer Kile, Connar McLeod, Callan (Kai) Reckinger; his great grandchildren: Emerson, Penn and Morgan Ogden, and Ross Reckinger; and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 703 Green St, Boone, Iowa on Thursday, November 5,2026 with burial at 9:30 at Linwood Park Cemetery: visitation at 10:00 and funeral at 11:00, both at the First Presbyterian Church. A luncheon will be served following the service. Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Boone.
Merle Hay Funeral Home of Des Moines, is handling arrangements.
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