Donald O. Boulanger

May 27, 1926 - November 7, 2018

Donald O. Boulanger, 92, of Crystal Falls MI, teacher, learner, author, golfer, outdoor sportsman, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 with family members at his side. He was born May 27, 1926 in Onekama, MI, son of the late Omer and Rachael (Kline) Boulanger. Don graduated from Manistee High School in 1944. He joined the U. S. Navy in July 1944 and served until June 1946. During a part of his duration, he was stationed on Guam and worked with the dispersing office. In August of 1947, at a small wedding in the home of her parents, Don made Jean Borske his wife, and they enjoyed nearly 71 years together. He furthered his education at Central Michigan College of Education, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Industrial Arts. Don was then hired by the Crystal Falls School District to teach Industrial Arts, beginning with the 1949-1950 school year. He also earned a Master’s Degree at University of Michigan (1955). His teaching career spanned 38 years in the Crystal Falls/Forest Park School District. Following his retirement, he continued to enjoy working with students for many years as a substitute wherever he was needed. If any teacher or school program needed a speaker on just about any topic, Don was ready and willing. Don was never a sit-still kind of guy. He was an active member of the Crystal Falls Christ United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities. He was a member of the Lion’s Club for over 40 years and was very active in Bass Festival planning and activities. A civic minded man, he served for many years on the local hospital board and was a 25-year member of the Crystal Falls City Council, including serving as Mayor-Pro-Tem for a number of years. He had the great honor to be voted Citizen of the Year in 2012. He served on countless city, county, and educational committees over the years. A highlight of his life as a veteran was the Upper Peninsula Inaugural Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC. in 2011. As well as being civic-minded, he participated in many sports and recreations and was passionate about most everything he tried. His wife, Jean, sparked his interest in the game of golf, which became one of his best-loved recreational pastimes. That meant that the rest of the family had to learn too, and there were family tournaments to keep everyone involved. He joined the Men’s League. He was rewarded one day with a hole-in-one! Ever the teacher, anyone interested in learning the game could get a lesson or two from Don. He also found time for family activities that involved picnicking and skating on frozen lakes, fishing, and swimming. He and Jean enjoyed square dancing with friends and gardening. Don learned to graft fruit trees and liked to tinker with old clocks. Maybe because of his Navy experience, he was often called upon to splice the ski hill tow ropes when they broke. He joined the Northwoods Writers’ group in 2006 and began writing short stories. Prior to joining the group, he had written and self-published a book about his childhood and another about his mother’s life. Along came his niece, Mardi, who offered computer expertise and encouragement, and Don began to publish books of his short stories. Including those early books, he has written seven books, with “Grape Jelly .. and bedtime stories” being his latest book. Don may be most noted for his passion for deer and turkey hunting. His wife, Jean, was able to join him on many hunting ventures in their younger years. As his age advanced, he was not ready to give up his passion for hunting and in 2013, he bagged deer number 100. Friends Tom Nash, Jim Butler, Darryl DeNell, Ken Roberts, and Pat Sommers surprised him with a beautiful mount of that 6-point buck. Don continued to hunt with a little help from his friends, and ultimately harvested 105 deer in his long life time. Each deer is commemorated with a DNR “Successful Hunter” patch and carefully recorded in his logbook of achievements. He is survived by his two daughters: Jeanette (David) Furman of Ionia, MI and Elizabeth Holtrop of Naples, FL and Lake of the Ozarks, MO; four grandchildren: Natalie (Dan) Bennett, Emily Furman, James Holtrop Jr., and Carol (James) Waeckerle; six great-grandchildren: Marin, Alexander, Isla, Alyson, Owen and Dillon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and a son, Robert, in 1988. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Alice Towles and Mary Esther Edmondson. Friends may call from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Monday, November 12, 2018 at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls and from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm Tuesday at the Christ United Methodist Church in Crystal Falls. The Crystal Falls Lions Club will conduct a Pass In Review followed by the East Side Veterans at 1:45 pm at the church. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Christ United Methodist Church. Pastor Vicky Prewitt will officiate. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christ United Methodist Church or to the Don and Jean Boulanger Scholarship Fund. Condolences to the family of Donald Boulanger may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.