Donna Lou Boutilier

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died November 23, 2020

Donna Lou (nee Brandl) Boutilier, age 83, died peacefully in her sleep at her home on Monday, November 23, 2020. She was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin on August 28, 1937 to Arthur and Mary (nee Beels) Brandl. She grew up in Marshfield until the family moved to Gladstone in 1951. She was a quiet personality and loved meeting new people in all the paths of her life. She graduated from Gladstone High School in 1956 and married Norbert “Todd Butler” Boutilier on August 11, 1956. He preceded her in death on December 11, 1994.

She worked at various jobs (before the children came along). She worked at the “Rialto Theater” while in high school and after graduation was a bank teller. When the children were older, she worked as a “lunch lady” cook at the Gladstone School System. After retirement she became the videographer for the grandchildren’s sporting events and special occasions. She deeply loved all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Watching them play sports gave her so much joy and happiness. In the early years many will remember her, with her camcorder, taping all the sports and special events. And when we have watched the videos, we would give her a hard time because she would sometimes go off the scene; not taping what she should have been taping. Just like some photographs she would take (heads cut off, finger over the lens, etc). She had the unique ability to laugh at herself for some of the goofs she did. We all loved her for being her. Her other hobbies were occasionally going to the local casino with her sister and to bingo with her daughters. In addition to the epic afternoon card games which left us all laughing.

As her health declined recently, she found peace and quiet at her home watching her “Judge Judy” daily. One of her best times was when she got to see her “Toby Keith” in concert. We couldn’t wipe the smile from her face for a long time. Many of her friends and family gathered for her “Surprised 80th Birthday Party”. Old neighbors, friends and surprise visitors from far and wide came to celebrate with her. She was truly blessed to see each and every one of you. She only wished she could have spent more one-on-one time with everyone who came to her special event. She will always hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew her.

Donna is survived by her children: Rick Boutilier of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Sandra (Ben) Anderson of Rapid River, Carol (Tom Demeuse) Olson of Gladstone, and Michael (Kimberly) Boutilier of Escanaba. Grandchildren Katrina (Cory) McNamara of Gladstone, Kyle (Fiancée Kimberly Schlenvogt) VanDrese of Gladstone, Shawn (Alivia Porter) Olson of Rapid River, Amanda Olson of Gladstone, Anna and Brian Boutilier of Escanaba, Chuck (Jennifer) Raspor of Escanaba, Jessica (Steve) Gartland of Iron Mountain, and Melissa (Jeremy) Harvey of Gladstone. Great-grandchildren Braxton, Bentley, Gia, April, Aiden, Ashton, Austin, August, Ritchie, Lauren, Sara, Shannon, Shanin, Anna, Jacob, Cameron, Tessa, Spencer and Elliott. Sisters Beverly (Lowell) LaPlant of Gladstone and Sharon Brandl of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Brother-in-law Ray of Florida. Many other nieces and nephews whom she loved to see at the family reunions and weddings.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents (Arthur and Mary), her husband “Todd”, her first born son Brian, one great-grandchild, nieces Marsha LaPlant and Elizabeth Besson, nephews Toddy Newman and Mark Besson, her sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Allen Newman, mother-in-law and father-in-law Esther and Walter Johnson, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Myrna and Marvin Besson, and most recently her special sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sandra and Norman Boutilier, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Doletzky officiating.

19 Tributes for “Donna Lou Boutilier”

    To all butler family thoughts and prayers and great memories from Boddy family Michigan ave!

    To the Boutilier family ~ life long friends; Your Mom will always be remembered for her kind smile and warm heart. Hold her close in your memories. Hugs & Love!

    She was such a sweetheart! Loved being at all Braxton’s games, she kept score better than the coaches!! Braxton cried yesterday when he told me So sorry for your loss

    Donna and Dorothy are together playing cards and laughing. Prayers and hugs to you all.
    ~ Ross, Lee Anne and family

    Sending much love and peace to the whole Boulitier family…. will keep the family in my prayers during the very hard time…..

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Donna was a sweet lady. Always had nice things to say with a smile! We had a lot of fun with her and Todd years ago. They were both full of laughter.
    May she rest in peace
    Gary and Kathy Maynard

    Mick, Carol, Sandy, Rick, & families,
    So sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom holds a special place in my heart. I met your mom when I attended Gladstone High School & worked as a lunch helper. She was a school cook. I have so many memories of then – that kitchen crew did their job, but definitely knew how to make it fun! Since then, for 40+ years, it was a joy to carry on a pleasant conversation with her anytime we crossed paths. She was a very special lady! ❤️
    My deepest condolences to you & your families.
    Patti S

    So sorry for your lose. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Many great childhood memories were made at your house. Your Mom will always be remembered

    Deepest sympathy to the family ! Donna brought a smile to everyone and joy to their heart when she entered the room. She was definitely an angel on earth and will be missed.

    Sandy & family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Beautiful & Precious Mom! She was such a sweetheart the few times I met her! Please know you all are in my thoughts & prayers & may you find comfort in knowing she is resting in the arms of Jesus for all eternity!

    So sorry to hear about Donna. She was a great person, sweet and loving. I had many fun times with her. Bless Her Heart. She will be missed.

    Carol and family, Your mom always brought a smile to my face. I
    felt at home when I was at your “Michigan Ave” house. Then when she moved she was on my trick or treat path so I was able to say “hi” to her every year and she never missed a beat and always made me laugh with one of her stories about you. She was a special lady and you all have great memories. God Bless. Love you Carol

    To the whole Boutilier family,
    Hold on to all the great times of which there was many. Think about a new each day! It’ll never take the pain and emptiness away but it sure helps with those sad times. Sorry I couldn’t be there but please know that you are all in my prayers .

    She was a gem for sure. Worked with her for years and she always had her magic way of making one feel good. She will be missed and the Lord has now an awesome angel! Thoughts and prayers for you all!

    So sorry to hear Donna is no longer with us. She was a special lady. Donna and Kathy taught me everything about cooking in the kitchen. We had lots of laughs and good times in the kitchen. She will always hold a special place in my heart. She love her family and always had a story to tell. Bless her family

    Dear Boutilier Family ,
    I’m so sorry for your loss, she will be missed dearly. She always wore a smile that could make anyones day and that is how I will remember her. With Love

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