Obituary
Bobbette Marie Gassen Alo Boomer
In Loving Memory of Bobbette Marie (Gassen Alo) Boomer.
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we report the passing of our beloved mother, Bobbette. At the age of 91, she died peacefully in her home on the morning of August 16, 2023. Her departure has left an enormous hole in our lives, but we will always remember her in our hearts and in the way we laugh.
Love, compassion, and meaningful work defined Bobbette’s life. Always cheerful and friendly, she enjoyed meeting everyone. Her kind and generous spirit made her a “ray of sunshine” who touched many lives and left an indelible impression on those who knew her.
She was a loving and thoughtful mother who took great pride in her role as Mom and Grandma/Meema. She is survived by her daughter, TariAnn Thompson, of Onalaska, Wisconsin; her sons, Scott (Jesse) Alo of West Salem, Wisconsin, and Keli (Katrina) Alo of Waterford, Michigan; her five granddaughters, Taylor Thompson, Jessica Alo, Brianne Alo, Lauren Alo, and Alexis Alo; her four step-grandchildren, Charlie, Ella, Oliver, and Owen McKinney; and her brother, Reginald (Catherine) Gassen of Key West, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Boomer, son Mark Alo, her parents Mathias and Jessica (Cotrill) Gassen, her brother Mathias Gassen Jr., her sister Adeline (Gassen) Wetsch, and her twin brother Robert Gassen.
Bobbette was a free spirit who was always interested in learning more about the world. As a passionate traveler, she went on many adventures where she saw the beauty of nature and experienced new cultures and people. People were drawn to her because of how happy, bold, and accepting she was. She reminded us all to enjoy the beauty of the world and to cherish each day completely. Until her passing, she gave us the gift of laughter. When she was ready to depart on her journey, she said something that will be remembered forever: “This isn’t like the movies. In the movies, it doesn’t go so slowly”. During this moment she was able to laugh at herself and give the gift of humor to her family.
As we say our final goodbyes to her, let us remember her fondly, celebrating the life she lived, the love she shared, and the memories she created. May we remember her stories of her travels with RB and friends, the smell from her kitchen baking for someone special, hosting gatherings, competing at bridge and 500, trying to play golf, singing the Happy Birthday song off tune as a favorite birthday gift from Mom/Meema, and creating award winning cross-stitch art as an expression of her inner artistic light.
Though we mourn her loss, let us find comfort in knowing that Mom’s/Meema’s spirit will live on through the memories we hold dear. Her legacy of love and kindness will forever inspire us to live fully and compassionately.
Rest in peace, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Bobbette will be held on August 26, 2023. Visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am with services from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at The Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI. A zoom will be shown during service please have the zoom app and click this link.…..link
Family, friends, and all those touched by her presence are welcome to join us in bidding her farewell and sharing cherished memories.
What a special person Bobbette was. She was so friendly and such a
sharp 500 card player. Our card club will miss her dearly.
We know Mom love, love, loved playing cards and games with her friends and family. After every 500 game, she would smile as she shared how the day’s competition unfolded.
Thank you!
I didn’t know Bobbette real well but the few interactions I had with her helped me recognize how special she was. Kind, compassionate and caring. My prayers go out to family and friends! I
Thank you, Don. She lived life and gathered a following of fans for sure!
It was a joy working with Bobbette at Lutheran Hospital (now Gundersen Health System}. She was very professional and also so much fun. She was a true friend.
Thank you, Marilyn! She enjoyed her career and the opportunity to work with all the patient service professionals that helped create a team culture. We cannot image life without Mom’s sense of humor and capacity to laugh deeply.
Very much appreciated, Tari, Scott, and Keli.
Bobbette was a wonderful person, she was like a Mom to me. I really liked her and will miss her. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Cherish all the great memories and carry the love forever.
Mike and I are thinking about you during this very sad time! Bobbette was a beautiful woman and so full of love! You will have so many beautiful memories to help you get thru the sadness you feel right now! Her spirit will always be with you❤️
Thank you, Jean. She gave us so many memories, at times they bombard our “memory banks” and often are accompanied by tears. What speaks volumes about Mom is that frequently, there is a giggle or laugh, and a funny story that pulls our hearts up and clears away the sense of total loss.
TariAnn and family – Very sorry for the loss of your mom and best friend. Love and hugs. Barb
Thank you, Barb. She enjoyed your visits and time spent in your company. You and Greg put a smile on her face every time.
Sorry Barb, I replied thinking about our cousin Barb as I was typing, automatically. Ugh… Thank you for your kind thoughts.
I knew your mother Bobbette through her volunteer work at the Gundersen Gift Shop. From the first day I met her I knew she was a special person. She was genuinely a kind and caring person. I am sorry for your families loss.
Tari and family I was so blessed to have been able to meet your mom. She was such an amazing person and always a joy to be around. I know she will forever be with you in your hearts.. Sending love and hugs to you during this very difficult time.
So very sorry to hear of your moms and grandmothers passing. She was a great boss and continued as a friend. Always enjoyed being with her. Prayers are with all of you. May your memories be a comfort at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss Tari. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I worked many years at Lutheran Hospital under Bobbette. After she retired we had standing Chinese lunch every month to visit, catch up & have a few laughs & set the next month’s date. Not only was Bobbette a great boss, dear friend but always a grand Lady. Rest in peace Bobbette & know that you are special & will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to her family
Hi Ohana, so sorry for your loss . Your mom Aunty Bobette was such a beautiful lady, inside and out. She had the sweetest voice.
It’s been years since I’ve seen her, but always kept her and all of you in my thoughts. Love you all.
Sorry for your loss. Bobbette was, kind, generous, funny and also feisty. Bobbette’s smile came from within and could light up someone’s day.
Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the entire family. I knew Bobbette when I was much younger through my parents and the Gassen family. May the loss be eased by knowing so many loved thought of bobbette fondly.
Bobbette was an excellent bridge player and I enjoyed having her for a partner at the Senior Center. She will be missed.