Joseph “Joe” Boschert

Joseph “Joe” Boschert of O’Fallon, Missouri, died Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at the age of 51.

Joe was the special son of John “Jack” C. Boschert and the late Margie L. Boschert, and dear brother of Michael “Mike” (Julie) Boschert and Judy (Mitch) Ware. Joe had seven nieces: Elizabeth (Andrew) Haberberger, Jackie (Kenny) Woodruff, Rosemary Boschert, Teresa Boschert, Carolyn Boschert, Dolores Boschert, Maggie Boschert, and three nephews:  Jacob Ware, Joshua Ware & Jackson Ware.

Joe also had more caregivers that we can name or count but we did consider “family. Joe has resided in the Tower Wood Home that Community Living manages in O’Fallon, MO since 1993 with three other roommates/brothers.  The home, in a residential neighborhood in O’Fallon, provided an awesome place for Joe to thrive and enjoy the last twenty-three years.  Joe’s home provided him loving care, independence, as well as joy and laughter.  If all homes could have that same environment, the world would be a better place.

Often in Joe’s life people were inquisitive to know what caused Joe’s disability.  Joe was the 1974 Celebrity Child for the United Cerebral Palsy Association.  Joe met the Governor of Connecticut Mr. Thomas Meskill and made his television debut on the telethon broadcast February 2nd and 3rd.   Joe got no further offers for television, but did enjoy his moment in the bright lights.

Joe, however, was not truly classified as Cerebral Palsy.  His disability was caused from the Rh factor between his father and mother’s blood types (A positive & O negative).  Born in Alton, Illinois in 1965 Joe encountered some difficulty shortly after birth and was given his special and “one-of-a-kind” disabilities.   He has shared those gifts and disabilities selflessly in his fifty-one years with all who crossed paths with Joe.

Joe graduated from Booneslick State School in 1985 as valedictorian (we’re pretty sure anyway).  His father, Jack, was the keynote speaker at the graduation and we’re pretty sure shared some stories about Joe being ornery and loving.  Joe stayed active in day programs hosted by Community Living Inc. and stayed active in recreation programs from dances to baseball games to swimming.  He was never bored.

He lived with his loving parents until his Mom passed away in 1992.  Shortly after, Joe moved into the Community Living Respite Care Home short-term and then transitioned into the “new” Tower Wood home in 1993.  He has stayed busy these past twenty-three years in CLI day programs and recreation programs.  His weekly trip with Dad to Dairy Queen or McDonalds for Malt was always the highlight of his week.

Joe was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer February 29, 2016 and had successful surgery to remove a brain tumor on March 2nd. He went home to Tower Wood in early March and did great with his condition until early May.  The cancer began to take its toll Mid-May and his last week, while comfortable, was not ideal.  We know he is in heaven; talking to his Mom and grandparents and in a much better place than he has been recently.

Joe’s loving personality and heartfelt laugh made him often a joy to be with.  He loved to crinkle any type of plastic and was especially fond of the newspaper wrappers for several years.  Tug-of-war was a favorite way to engage with a friend or keep-away was another.  The past several years the cardboard books became a favorite and opening – closing – opening was something you would find him doing often.  Joe could also be ornery, however, and his loud grunts and vocal discontent could disrupt a room if he was not getting the attention he deserved or expected.

Joe’s family would visit him at his home and often hear comments like “I just love your brother/son.  He is so fun.”  From the laughs, smiles, tug-of-wars and genuine love Joe freely gave, we know he made a lot of friends and changed a lot of people’s outlook on life.

Joe certainly lived a “special” life and left a path of love for all that touched him.  While understanding the “why” of disabilities Judy Ware, Joe’s sister read this Bible passage the day before Joe passed and we believe this passage sums up Joe’s life in three short sentences:  “As he passed by he saw a blind man from birth.  His disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?  Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be visible through him.” John 9:1-3

We appreciate the prayers and love you have shared for Joe and ask that you remember fondly how Joe helped you see the works of God in your life – with his help.

Memorials may be made to Community Living, Inc., 1040 St Peters Howell Rd, St Peters, MO 63376.