Fr. Edward Francisboucher Boucher

Fr. Edward Francis Boucher, age 84, of Muskegon, entered into the presence of his Savior on November 22, 2018. Edward was born in Muskegon on April 4, 1934 the son of Alfred Ernest and Irene Blanche (Wehrle) Boucher. He graduated from St. Joseph Elementary School in Muskegon and as a youth, earned the level of Eagle Scout. He was proud of that accomplishment and supported the Boy Scouts throughout his life. Edward continued his education at St. Joseph Seminary High School in Grand Rapids where he graduated high school and completed his first two years of college. He then spent two years at the School of Philosophy in Montreal, Quebec. He completed his priestly formation at St. John’s Seminary in Plymouth, MI, and was ordained in Grand Rapids in 1960. After his ordination, he served in parishes in Grand Rapids and Manistee, MI. While in Manistee he taught at Manistee Catholic Central. He enjoyed his work with the students. He transferred to the Saginaw Diocese and served there until joining the Navy as serving as a Naval Chaplain for 22 years until his retirement. He traveled the world while serving his country and his career had many highlights including celebrating Christmas Eve Mass at the South Pole Station in 1972. Always willing to be of service, he continued to work at parishes in Alaska, Baldwin and other communities well into his retirement. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Muskegon. Fr. Ed had a wonderful sense of humor, could tell a great story, and cared deeply for his family and his church families whom he served.

He will be dearly missed by his loving sisters, Jeanette Franczek and Bernadette Boucher, both of Muskegon; nieces and nephews JoAnn (John) Palo of Muskegon, David Beebe of Muskegon, Christopher (Johanna) Franczek of Warsaw, Poland, and Julie Franczek of Spring Lake; 4 great-nieces and nephews, and 8 great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Eileen Beebe and Sr. JoAnn M. Boucher OP; his brother-in-law Joseph Franczek, and his niece Valerie Beebe.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary offered at 7:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1716 Sixth Street, Muskegon, Michigan 49441, with Bishop, Walter Hurley the Celebrant and Fr. Don Weber the Homilist. The family will also greet visitors at the church on Wednesday for an hour prior to Mass. Private interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Muskegon. Those wishing to express sympathy are welcomed to consider a contribution in his memory to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Muskegon.