Obituary: William Boedeker (1943-2026)

William (Bill) Boedeker passed away on August 18, 2026. Bill was born and raised in St Louis, Missouri and trained as a machinist. The Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (now National Laboratory) recruited Bill and he moved to Los Alamos in 1965. Bill worked in various groups at LANL, but primarily at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF). He retired in 2001.

Bill met the love of his life, Marga, in Los Alamos, and they were married in 1969. Bill was known throughout the community for his life of service: as a ham radio operator/instructor, a Board Member/President of Los Alamos Public Schools Credit Union, and as a member/District Deputy/exalted Ruler of the Elks.

Bill supported communications for the County and the State of New Mexico during the Cerro Grande Fire, the Hondo Fire, and Las Conchas Fire. He also supported communications for athletic events including the Jemez Mountain Trail Runs. Bill received awards from the American Red Cross and the New Mexico Emergency Management Association for his service as a ham radio operator. Bill was described by these organizations as dependable, committed, helpful, selfless, calm, hardworking, competent, and a good friend.

And, if you came by his street after a snowstorm, you would find Bill in his red snow suit, driving his green John Deere tractor to plow all the neighborhood sidewalks. Bill was a good friend.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marga, two brothers and sister, and many nieces and nephews.

The family of William "Bill" Boedeker has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477