Carlos Boysen

Carlos Boysen

Cedar Rapids

Carlos Boysen, 84, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully Jan. 7 at the Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids. In agreement with his wishes, Carlos has donated his remains to the University of Iowa for clinical research. A celebration of life will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at First Presbyterian Church in Marion, Iowa, and to be officiated by Meth-Wick Chaplin Kristy Parker.

Carlos was born Aug. 13, 1938, in Delmar, Iowa, to Martin and Mary Irene Boysen. Carlos was highly intelligent, graduating from the Delmar High School in 1955 at the age of 16. Upon graduating Carlos dutifully enlisted in the Army reserves. Once he completed his service time, Carlos enrolled in the American Institute of Commerce in Davenport, Iowa. From there Carlos went to work for the Bendix Corporation, also in Davenport, before transitioning into the engineers’ office for the Iowa Department of Transportation. After 35 years of superior service, Carlos retired from the Iowa DOT in 1997.

Carlos was united in marriage on June 2, 1962, to his first wife Joanne. From this union four children were born, Theresa Black of Iowa City, Iowa, Carla Jo Boysen of Fort Myers, Fla., Kathy Boysen of Bruning, Neb., and Robert Boysen of Denver, Colo. Carlos and Joanne later divorced. On Sept. 19, 1998, Carlos was united in marriage to Dian Annette Wright of Cedar Rapids. Carlos warmly welcomed Dian’s two children, Tyler Wright of Kansas City (wife Anne, grandchildren Alden and Asher), and Colin Wright of North Liberty (wife Aimee, grandchildren Penelope and Cozette) into his life.

Carlos’ love of travel was very strong. He and Dian traveled extensively across the United States. Adventures included Alaska, Hawaii, Vancouver, Florida, San Antonio, Savanna, Kansas City, Washington, D.C., Boston, New York, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Seattle, and many other destinations to visit friends and loved ones too numerous to list.

Carlos had a love for golf and would take yearly trips to Myrtle Beach with his golfing buddies and played golf regularly in his retirement. When Carlos and Dian weren’t traveling, you would likely find him engrossed in a new novel due to his affection of reading. He fancied Westerns, along with anything by James Patterson. Carlos also was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and would spend the fall and winter seasons cheering on the black and gold. Carlos was incredibly kind, thoughtful and was a good friend and neighbor to all who were lucky enough to know him.

Carlos was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Mary Irene and brother John. Carlos is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife Dian Boysen (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); Joanne Boysen (Bruning, Neb.); sister Dottie Robinson (Iowa City, Iowa); daughters Theresa, Kathy, Carlo Jo (grandson William); and son Robert; Tyler Wright (Anne, Alden and Asher of Kansas City) and Colin Wright (Aimee, Penelope and Cozette of North Liberty). He also is survived by numerous cousins as well as nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carlos’ memory may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Marion, Iowa, of which held a special place in Carlos’ heart.