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on 9/7/2018
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Features
St. Anthony Regional Hospital has welcomed Father Tim Boekelman to its spiritual care team as a full time staff chaplain. Joining the hospital on July 10, Boekelman will serve alongside Chaplain Angelo Luis as a spiritual and life resource to St. Anthony patients, nursing home residents, and staff members. The addition of Boekelman will allow Peg Scheidt, part-time staff chaplain, to fully retire this November.
Many Carroll residents may recognize Boekelman, who had served as associate pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Carroll for three years, and as parochial vicar at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison for the past four and a half years. He also resides in Carroll, after purchasing a home several years ago.
“I am extremely thankful to have received this position with the St. Anthony Spiritual Care team. This will allow me to continue serving the wonderful people in our community, while also embarking on a great new professional opportunity,” Boekelman said. “It is going to be challenging and exciting – as each day is always a little different here at the hospital and nursing home. I look forward to working with the talented team at St. Anthony, and already sense a real community amongst the staff. This is a great opportunity to serve patients, residents, families and staff.”
“We are very proud of our service ministry which supports our Franciscan values of health, healing, and hope. Father Boekelman will allow us to extend our spiritual care reach,” said Ed Smith, St. Anthony President and CEO. “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience and a passion for helping others. He will be a great addition.”
Boekelman, who is an Algona native, has earned multiple higher education degrees. He received a bachelor’s degree in math and teaching certificate at Loras College in Dubuque in 1973. He attended the St. Meinrad School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Indiana and was ordained in 1977. He also received a master’s degree in guidance and counseling at Creighton University in 1982.
Boekelman’s first assignment was at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish and School in Spencer. He has served in numerous parishes in the past 40-plus years, all within the Sioux City Diocese. Boekelman’s diverse education has been extremely beneficial in his work throughout the years working within Catholic schools.
Boekelman’s remaining family is all within driving distance. He has a sister near Algona, and two brothers – one in Minneapolis and the other in Ames. His biggest interest now is knitting, which he finds very relaxing.