Earl Henry Boelcke

Earl Boelcke, 85, of Buchanan, a devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2018, at Lakeland Hospital, Niles after a brief illness. Earl was born in Chicago to Mildred Plaehn and Earl H. Boelcke, Sr. The family moved to a small farm in Baroda where Earl discovered his love of the land and farming. Earl married Valerie Horon on June 23, 1956, and shortly thereafter they bought their own small farm in Buchanan. Their crops included tomatoes, strawberries and grapes but they were best known for their asparagus. Earl was a long-time employee of Electro-Voice and later Premier where he did Tool & Die work. Earl enjoyed traveling America with his family, square dancing and trips to the casino. Earl, a long-time member of St. Anthony’s, was a generous, fair man who treated others with respect. The family would like to thank the Lakeland ICU nurses and staff for the care and comfort that they provided during Earl’s final days. Earl is survived by his wife, Valerie; their children, Kurt, Susan, Mark (Michelle) and Karen, his grandchildren, Corey (Sarah), Allison (Josh), Matthew (Chelsea), Jessica, Eric, Jennifer and Carrie; great-grandchildren, Emilee, Avery, Easton and Emelia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mildred; siblings, Elinor, Henry and John; in-laws, Vic, Tom, John, Barb and Dean; granddaughter, Rebecca and great-grandchildren, Vivian and Hendriks. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St. Buchanan. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan. Visitation will be from 11:30 until 1 PM on Thursday, also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Earl would want you to visit your local casino and play a twenty in his honor. Those wishing to send a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.