Donna Lou (nee Brandl) Boutilier

GLADSTONE — Donna Lou (nee Brandl) Boutilier, age 83, died peacefully in her sleep at her home on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. She was born in Marshfield, Wis. on Aug. 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 Aug. 11, 1956. He preceded her in death on Dec. 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, Colo., 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 Boutiller 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, Wis.; brother-in-law, Ray of Florida; and 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. To offer condolences, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Boutilier family.