Donald R. Boutang

Donald R. Boutang, 89, of Grand Rapids, Minn., went home with Jesus on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012. He passed peacefully in his sleep and Donald will now sleep with Jesus.

Donald was born on April 10, 1923, to Irving and Marie (Melting) Boutang in Cass Lake, Minn. He came from a family of one brother and five sisters. Donald was drafted in 1943 and served until 1946 when he was honorably discharged. Donald was very proud of his war service. He married Gloria Goldsworthy and they were together for 32 years.

As a boy he attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Cloquet, Minn., and pedaled the Pine Knot Newspaper. He worked for Blandin Paper Mill and the Diamond Match in Cloquet. He was a construction worker and worked for a car lot. He was a supervisor and a surveyor for the Aurora Forest Service.

He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the D.A.V. in Grand Rapids and Cloquet. He was also a member of the Royal Moose Club.

Donald loved to dance, play his harmonica, bumming with his friends and potlucks. He had a heart of gold, was very compassionate and very outgoing. He also enjoyed reminiscing about the "good old days", singing and reciting poems.

Donald was preceded in death by his brother, Howard; and four sisters, Maxine, Irene, Beatrice and Margarete Jean.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria (Goldsworthy) Boutang; six children: four boys and two girls; a sister, Deloris Goossins; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 10 at the Hill City Baptist Church in Hill City, Minn., at 1 p.m. Rev. Lonnie Lee will officiate. Military Honors accorded by American Legion Post 340 of Hill City.

Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Hibbing, Minn. To sign the online guest book or send condolences visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.

October 11, 2012 ~ Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.

Tags: obituaries