Gail A. Boke

Watch Gail’s Funeral Service

Gail Boke, 84, of Pierre, formerly of Gettysburg, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Avera Mary House, Pierre.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Emmauel Lutheran Church, Gettysburg, with Pastor David Otten presiding. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery. Visitation will be one-hour prior to services at the church.

Gail Ann Jacobson was born March 23, 1942, in Bryant, South Dakota. Her parents were Arthur and Berna (Hanson) Jacobson. In 1951, her family moved to Gettysburg, where she attended school from elementary through high school. Following her graduation from Gettysburg High School, Gail continued her education at Northern State College, earning her teaching degree. She began her career teaching for nine years in rural country schools before dedicating several decades to educating students in the Gettysburg School District.

On July 21, 1963, Gail married Howard Boke of Gettysburg after the two met on a blind date. Gail loved telling the story that she initially refused to go once she found out who her date was because she thought Howard looked like trouble. Fortunately, Howard’s charm eventually won her over, and together they built a wonderful life centered on faith, family, and adventure. They were blessed with three children: Starla, Suzanne, and Andel. Gail and Howard shared nearly 60 years of marriage before Howard passed away on June 24, 2023—exactly three years to the day before Gail.

Throughout their years together, Gail and Howard enjoyed camping trips and spontaneous weekend road trips. They shared a passion for finding bargains, spending countless hours at auctions and following every rummage sale sign they encountered. Along the way, they accumulated several collections that Gail loved sharing with anyone who expressed an interest.

Gail was never one to sit still. She embraced many hobbies throughout her life and loved learning new skills. Even more, she enjoyed passing that knowledge on to others. A gifted and creative person, Gail tried her hand at nearly every craft imaginable. She was also an accomplished writer, publishing her own book. True to her nature, one volume simply wasn’t enough—it became a two-volume work.

Above all else, Gail treasured her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandson. Time spent with them brought her great joy.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughters, Suzanne (Earl) Voeller of Pierre and Andel (Heith) Petersen of Pierre; her son-in-law, Duane Wager of Seneca; her grandchildren, Talisa (Aaron) Buchholz of Tulare, Dylan Wager of Seneca, Slayte Petersen of Spearfish, Trae Petersen of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kayla Petersen of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Sean and Abby Voeller of Pierre; and her great-grandson, Henrik of Tulare.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard Boke; and her daughter, Starla Wager.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Gail’s arrangements.