YOAKUM: Keith Ray Boysen was born March 24, 1954, the only child born to Rayfield and Annie (Kasparek) Boysen. A lifelong resident of the Yoakum area, Keith lived a life rooted in faith, family, and farming.
Keith attended St. Joseph Catholic High School until it closed in May 1970. He graduated from Yoakum High School and continued his education at Victoria College. A second-generation farmer, Keith spent his entire life working the land. Farming was more than his occupation—it was his passion and his way of life. He loved planting seeds, being in the tractor, watching the crops grow, and witnessing God’s work through the land. He was proud to pass that love of farming on to his son, Chris, and later welcomed his son-in-law, Max, into the family farming operation.
On November 8, 1975, Keith married his one and only sweetheart, Lois Berkovsky. Together they raised their three children, Chris, Jenny, and Jessica, at St. Joseph Catholic Church and School. Keith and Lois shared 47 years of marriage before her passing in September 2023. Their faith remained at the center of their marriage, and during Lois’s illness, attending daily Mass together became especially meaningful to them.
Keith loved St. Joseph Catholic Church and School and quietly supported both throughout his life. Whether it was the church picnic, St. Joseph Gala, JCDA meal fundraisers, or wherever help was needed. He enjoyed Wednesday masses hearing his granddaughters in the choir. In 2024, St. Joseph Catholic School honored him as its Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for his lifelong dedication and generosity.
Above all, Keith loved his family and took tremendous pride in his grandchildren; he could always be found in the stands supporting his grandkids as Yoakum Bulldogs, Sweet Home Cougars, Shiner Comanches, and SJS Tigers. Little League season kept him busy nearly every night, and one of the highlights of his last year was proudly watching his grandson win a state championship. Wherever his grandchildren were, Keith did his best to be there.
Keith was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois (Berkovsky) Boysen, and his parents, Rayfield and Annie (Kasparek) Boysen.
He is survived by his children, Christopher and Alisha Boysen of Yoakum; Jenny and Max Pohler of Yoakum; and Jessica and Kyle Novicke of Yoakum; and his grandchildren, Crosby, Carrigan, and Cora Pohler; Faith, Cannon, and Raylan Boysen; and Cheyenne Wilder (Nick), McKenna, Dallas, Cale, and Kaia Novicke.
A Rosary was held August 16, 2026, and a Funeral Mass was held August 17, 2026 with Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. He is buried at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Catholic School.
Serving as pallbearers will be Cannon Boysen, Cale Pohler, Crosby Pohler, Dallas Novicke, Jeff Vinklarek, Will Wiederhold, Wade McGee, Matthew Berkovsky, and Ryan Berkovsky. Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Berkovsky, Clifton Vinklarek, Jimmy Berkovsky, David Berkovsky, and Raylan Boysen.
Keith spent a lifetime planting seeds—not only in the fields he loved, but in his family, his community, and the faith he passed on to the generations after him. His was a life of quiet generosity, hard work, deep faith, and steadfast love. His family will carry forward the faith, values, and love he and Lois planted so well.
The family would like to send a special thanks to friends of the family Frances Boswell and his favorite cowboys.
Gobble Gobble! We can’t wait to see all you fine folks there. Let’s celebrate community, music, and the spirit of Cuero. Bring your friends, your family, and your best turkey dance moves!
