Carl A. Boedecker

MADISON-Carl A. Boedecker, age 93, ended the good fight on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016, at William S. Middleton Veteran's Hospital, under hospice care, with his daughter by his side. Born on May 7, 1923, in Milwaukee, to Alfred and Hilda (Semmann) Boedecker. He graduated from Concordia High School and then Concordia College. Carl was drafted and assigned to the U.S. Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Rich Destroyer Escort 695 until it was sunk on June 8, 1944, while involved in the Normandy Invasion. He sustained grave injuries and was presumed dead. Over 24 hours later, during search and recovery (as opposed to search and rescue), he was pulled from the English Channel. While being administered last rites, the naval chaplain observed he was still breathing. Carl was rushed to a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) in Dover, England, where his first leg was amputated and his two shattered jaws set. He was then transferred to Chelsea Naval Hospital in Boston, where his second leg was amputated. Never once did his faith falter nor did he complain. After years of rehabilitation, he lived for over 72 years fiercely independent and mobile on two prosthetic legs. He came to Madison in 1947 and worked in the printing business as co-owner of Litho Productions until 1976 when he became owner of Books, Then and Now. On June 4, 1960, he married Myrtle G. Kosanke, who predeceased him on May 9 of this year. Survivors include his daughter, Karen; two sisters-in-law, Vera Boedecker and Lorraine Britt; nieces and nephews, their families and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother, Rev. Robert Boedecker; three infant children; and many, many friends and family members. A Christian Burial Service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, with Pastor Daniel Kowert presiding. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. Entombment with full military honors will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved Myrtle. The family would like to thank every single employee at the Madison V.A. Hospital and Clinics, for decades of competent, compassionate and unwavering care to both Carl and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of the Living Christ. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420