Valerie Boelcke

Valerie Boelcke, 85, of Buchanan, a cherished Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother and Great Grandmother passed away on November 9th after an extended illness. Valerie was born in Chicago to Josephine and John Horon. The family moved to Bridgman, Michigan where Valerie excelled in school and as the oldest daughter helped her parents care for her many siblings. Valerie’s Grandmother Barbara Mueller lived in a small cottage on the property and also played a large part in her childhood. Valerie attended Western Michigan College after high school and majored in education. She taught for several years in southeastern Michigan prior to her marriage to Earl Boelcke in 1956. Valerie and Earl purchased a small farm in Buchanan where they raised strawberries, concord grapes, tomatoes and asparagus, Valerie returned to teaching in the Buchanan School System first as a substitute teacher and then later as an elementary school teacher at Stark School. Valerie also enjoyed teaching sewing and baking to the 4H club members in town. She earned her Master’s degree in education, squeezing in classes between her full time teaching position and her active role as a mother. Valerie loved to read and was a regular at the Buchanan Library. She was an active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Buchanan prior to her illness. Valerie enjoyed travel with her family, square dancing with her husband, along with participating in several different woman’s clubs. She did beautiful cross stich work, creating wall hangings and ornaments for loved ones. She treasured her grandchildren and would plan educational fun trips for them during her summer’s off. The family would like to thank Liz at Meadow View Gardens in Berrien Springs for the loving care she gave to Valerie during her extended illness and the nurses of Hospice and Caring Circle. Valerie is survived by her children, Kurt, Susan, Mark (Michelle) and Karen; her grandchildren, Corey (Sarah), Allison (Josh), Matthew (Chelsea), Jessica, Jennifer, Eric and Carrie; great-grandchildren, Emilee, Avery, Easton and Emelia. Also, her sisters, Judith and Kathy and brother, Dan. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Earl, her brothers, Tom, and John, her sister, Barbara, her granddaughter, Rebecca and great-grandchildren, Vivian and Hendricks. Valerie loved and treasured her family. Visitation will be from 9am to 10am on Saturday, November 17th, at St Anthony’s Church, 509 W. 4th St., Buchanan, followed by a Full Mass at 10AM. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Hospice organization or the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel & Cremation Services.