Obituary
Robert Bruce Boomer
Robert B. Boomer M.D., 95, of Onalaska, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Gundersen Health Center in La Crosse. He was born in Payette, Idaho on April 16, 1923 to May and Henry Boomer. He married Bobbette Alo in 1997 in La Crosse. Bob graduated from Idaho University before being drafted into the U.S. Navy during WW II. Following his honorable discharge, he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) class of 1946. Following MIT, he applied for medical school and was accepted by Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and Columbia Universities, as well as the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Out of these premier schools, he selected Harvard University, graduating in 1951. After completing his internship in Ophthalmology, he was drafted by the U.S. Navy as a flight surgeon, serving on the USS Antietam during the Korean Conflict. Bob joined the Gundersen Clinic in 1970 as an Ophthalmologist, specializing in retinal surgery.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbette Boomer; his daughters, Patricia (Derk) Brill, Roberta Boomer, Diane (Todd) Salovey, all of California, and Anita (Harry) Hertsheg of Vancouver B.C., Canada; step-children; TariAnn Alo-Thompson and Scott Alo of Onalaska, and Keli Alo of Michigan; also, Fred (Nantaya) Moore of Madison and Roberta Moore of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Aryyeh and Leah Salovey, Amanda and Katie Brill, Taylor Thompson, Jessica and Brianne Alo, Lauren and Lexi Alo, and Jidee and Jinda Moore; a special niece, Becky (Lee) Allred, of Portland OR; and nephew, Henry (Deb) Boomer, of McCall, ID.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lois and Jean; brother, Henry; and former wives, Ann Paulson and Ruby Moore.
A service of remembrance with military honors will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM on Saturday, March 30, 2019 in the Prairie Room, at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Dr. Boomer’s honor to the Gundersen Medical Foundation. Online condolences may be left at www.couleecremation.com.
To view Roberts memorial video online, copy and paste the following link below into your web browser.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/Y6DF223LMS6FXQMX
Rest in peace Pops!
My heart goes out to Bobbette, Robert’s four daughters, and their families. I had huge, unwavering respect for my father-in-law, and like my father, I knew that impressing him was not a likely outcome, but if I saw that wry smile, at least I knew I was okay that day. My fondest memory was attending Robert and Bobbette’s backyard wedding in 1997, and capturing the celebratory day on a hand-held video, even if the footage turned out a bit shaky. To this day, I never tire of hearing his daughters’ stories about him. May his inspiration live on. Thank you Mr. Boomer.
You always made Kayla and I feel so comfortable at your home. So kind and caring and full of stories..
Rest in peace, RB. You were an amazing man and will be missed with all my heart. Thank you for bringing so much happiness to mom! I love you. ?
I’m sending my condolences at this time as I have been thinking about the doctor. I googled to find this obituary.
Somehow I wouldn’t be shocked if he was still alive. But sadly no.
I worked RB in the 70’s at Gunderson Clinic. Very fond memories. What a man. I had no idea of his background that I read here. So smart and funny yet humble with his strut.
I’ll add his love of hunting and nature. He’d hire me for the Duck’s Unlimited banquets. We did have fun.
God bless his family. He was one of a kind.
With love.
Pamela Miller (at that time)
Now Berry.