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Obituaries

OBITUARY: William Harry Boileau

William Harry Boileau, 70, of Iowa City died surrounded by love and his family on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at Mercy Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bill was born May 25, 1944 in Washington, Iowa. He was the son of Harry R. "Fritz" Boileau and Sarah Louise Kilgore-Boileau. Bill was raised in Ainsworth, moving to Washington in 1950. He was a 1962 graduate of Washington High and attended the University of Iowa - School of Finance and Accounting. Bill was active in scouting, earning Eagle Scout and the God and Country Award, and member of the Order of the Arrow. He then went on to attain the rank of SSgt. in the United States Marine Corps, and was a veteran serving two tours in Vietnam. 

Bill married Karen K. Deatsch on August 24, 1968 at Holy Trinity Church in Richmond, Iowa. They are the proud parents of four beautiful children: Carmen “Shelly” (and partner, Bill) of Ainsworth, James (Christa) of Cedar Falls, Matthew (Anne), and Sarah, all of Iowa City. Seven grandchildren: Ethan, Paden, Faith, Dawson, Will, Matthew and Lauren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. 

Bill’s biggest regret is his grandchildren will never experience the America he grew up in and loved. During Bill’s final days he often expressed his concern of the decline of the country he loved so much and was disappointed in what he perceived as a decline in our nation. Bill regretfully did not realize in his life the impact he made on his friends, family, and those he would meet. He was a charismatic, loving and humorous man who cared deeply but at times those who knew him did not realize the soft tender heart that was inside of his strong courageous exterior until these last few years. His children loved him dearly and value the strength, love and wisdom he instilled in them during his life and especially during his final months. 

Per his wishes the body has been cremated. A private family burial will be in the Saint Vincent Cemetery west of Riverside. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service on Friday, June 20, 2014 between the hours of 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. A private family military graveside committal service will be on Saturday morning, June 21, 2014. 

Thoughts may be shared with the family at www.lensingfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family is requesting gifts be offered in donation to Iowa City Hospice. 

The family would also like to extend their overwhelming thanks to the Iowa City Hospice Staff especially: Dianna, Amanda, Cindy, Angie, Maurie, Kaleigh, and any others we mistakenly forgot. We also would like to thank Mercy Hospital staff to include: Management, Staff Nurses, Aides, Pastoral Care, Father Richard Beyer and any and all who were involved with his care during his cancer treatment. A special thanks to Dr. Feeley and the Mercy Hospice Unit who were part of Bill’s care during his respite visits and final days until his passing. Your care, concern, organization, and compassion were not unnoticed and the dignity and love you preserved during this process will never be forgotten.

http://lensingfuneral.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=133889#/obituaryInfo

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