Terry L. Boak, 76, of Tomah, died on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Tomah VA Medical Center. He was born on September 11, 1948, in Richland Center, WI to Ruth Boak. On February 8, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Hanson. Together, they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage—a journey filled with love, laughter, and unwavering commitment.
In March of 1969, Terry joined the United States Marine Corp. He was very dedicated to his country and received many awards to include a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and a Purple Heart Medal.
In 1973, Terry and Jean purchased a farm in the Town of Greenfield, where they began with horses and pigs before transitioning to dairy farming. In 2001, they shifted from dairy farming to beef cattle. Terry balanced his love of the land with a career at Fort McCoy, from which he retired in 2001. He continued farming until his retirement from agriculture in 2024. Terry found joy in the quiet and simplicity of the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, spending many days in the wood’s deer and coon hunting. Terry and Jean enjoyed spending camping, fishing, and boat rides in their Pontoon Boat. He also had a passion for sports, coaching women’s softball and teaching his sons how to play baseball. Above all else, he loved his family and time spent with his grandchildren. Terry will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
Terry is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Nathan Boak; grandchildren, Justin and Nora; Justin and Nora’s mother, Britany Boak; sisters, Pam Sharp and Twila (Floyd) Tenant, in-laws, Pat (Gaylord) Oppegard, Barbara Mueller, Howard (Judy) Hanson and Charles (Kelly) Hanson. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth and step-dads, a son, Justin; brother, Ronnie Heal; his mother-in-law and father-in-law Howard and Clara Hanson, brothers-in-law, Tom Sharp, Charles Mueller and nephew, Finnigan Oppegard O’ Donnel.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church, 115 W. Lacrosse St., Tomah. Burial will be at the Camp Douglas Cemetery at a later date. Pastor Beth Voigt will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Thursday, August 14, 2025,
4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah and on Friday at the church, 10:00 AM until the time of service. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com. The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
