In 1990, when a tornado hit Plainfield, killing 29 and leaving a path of destruction that leveled homes, businesses and a school, Peter E. Boecker was one of the first to respond.
In the weeks that followed, the Naperville business owner volunteered his time and donated thousands of dollars of materials and resources from his paving company to help rebuild the community.
“Right away, Pete dropped everything and came to their aid,” said Mike Rechenmacher, a former employee and retired Naperville firefighter. “He brought in his big tractors and trucks and began moving debris. He helped people shovel out their houses and basically did whatever he could to get the town back on its feet.”
Mr. Boecker, 67, of Naperville, the founder of DuPage Asphalt, died after a battle with lung cancer Thursday, Sept. 9, in Edward Hospital in Naperville.
A lifelong Naperville resident, Mr. Boecker was the grandson of the founder of one of the city’s oldest family-operated businesses, Boecker Coal & Grain, started in 1868. He graduated from Naperville Central High School in 1955, in the same class as Naperville Mayor George Pradel.
“Pete was the kind of person who to know him was to feel good about yourself,” Pradel said. “He was the kid in our class who always made everyone laugh. He was a fun-loving, good-hearted guy and very down to earth.”
From 1959 to 1962, Mr. Boecker served with the Army in the Special Services division in Austria, where his duties included deciphering Russian codes.
After his discharge, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville before starting his commercial and residential paving company in 1963.
“He sold his car to buy his first dump truck and then hired on some people,” said his son Ryan, who now runs the company with his brother, Andrew. “In his spare time, he did everything he could to make payroll and keep the business going, like mowing lawns, raking leaves and cleaning gutters.”
Family members described Mr. Boecker as an “old-school businessman,” who often sealed a deal with a handshake, instead of a written contract. They credited his company’s success to his honesty, accountability and quality workmanship.
“As a businessperson in our town, Pete excelled,” Pradel said. “He demonstrated the highest integrity, and when you dealt with him, you know you got the best.”
Active in the community, Mr. Boecker was a past volunteer of the Naperville Fire Department and served on the DuPage County Fair Board.
He also was a member of the Moose Lodge of Naperville and VFW Judd Kendall Post 3873. He also served as an executive board member of Friends of Danada and operated Danada Model Farm.
Other survivors include his wife of 37 years, Lois; three daughters, Katherine Thompson, Carey Peterson and Bonnie; a sister, Nancy Mueller; and seven grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday in Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Services will begin at 10 a.m. Monday in Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 N. West St., Wheaton.
