Jerry J. Boulay
October 26, 1935 – March 17, 2025
Jerry Boulay, Big Jer, Papa – a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on October 26, 1935, in Sioux City, IA, to Florence and Roy Boulay. Jerry was the youngest of three boys, following his brothers Dan and Bill. He graduated from Heelan High School in 1953 before joining the Army in 1955. He was stationed in Germany during a time of peace—a chapter he fondly regarded as one of the highlights of his early life. He later graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Faith, family and friendships were the pillars that defined Jerry’s life. While in high school and college, Jerry prayed to find a good wife. His prayers were answered when he met Michaeleen Lowe at a party where he was playing the ukulele. Four months later, they were engaged, and on September 3, 1960, they were married. Together, they raised five children, celebrated 64 years of marriage, and were blessed with 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and two more on the way. In the early 1990s, they met a young seminarian from Uganda, Michael Mukasa (now Fr. Michael Mukasa) who soon became “the fifth son”. Michael remains a cherished member of the Boulay family.
In 1969, Jerry started his own business, Metro Leasing Company. Later, as his sons entered their teenage years, Jerry partnered with them to create Controlled Rain, a sprinkler company that provided valuable life lessons and countless memorable stories.
After selling his business in 1994, Jerry and Michaeleen enjoyed traveling with friends and spending quality time with family. Their grandchildren brought them immense joy. The “grands and greats” will cherish the memories and continue to carry on Papa’s love and playful teasing.
A man of many interests, Jerry was a curious student of life. He loved history, documentaries, chess, and he was always playing music – from opera & classical to Neil Diamond & U2. He was ahead of his time with any kind of gadget or technology. He had a car phone in the early 1980s and embraced innovations like ChatGPT and Venmo at the age of 89. Jerry enjoyed reading, running, sailing, and photography. His passion for photography resulted in a treasure trove of images, capturing memories for his family and loved ones. He had a genuine interest in everyone he met. He asked thoughtful questions and, with his remarkable memory, would follow up on those conversations the next time they spoke
Jerry had a quick wit and a delightful sense of humor. Through many challenges, he remained steadfast in his faith and lightened the load with his laughter. He always had a clever line ready and knew how to make people laugh. He also had a deep appreciation for the humor of others and laughed easily at their quips. This is how many will remember him—always with a smile and a hearty laugh.
Jerry’s faith was the center of his life – directing every decision he ever made. He prayed the rosary nightly and participated in several faith organizations outside of and within his other “home”, St. Margaret Mary parish, where he and Michaeleen were actively involved for 60 years.
Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love of his family, his kindness, integrity and that laugh.
Preceded in death by son, David Boulay; parents, Roy and Florence Boulay; brothers, Dan and Bill Boulay.
Survived by wife, Michaeleen; children: Greg (Kathy), daughter-in-law, Ann Boulay, Mark (LeAnn), Jim (Regina), Nikki Cripe (David), and Michael (Fr. Michael Mukasa)- embraced as the 5th “son”; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 more coming soon.
VIGIL SERVICE: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 7:00PM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge Street, with VISITATION from 5;00-7:00PM.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, March 24th, 10:30AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.
Interment: Calvary.
Memorials are suggested to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church or to the Saint Margaret Mary Fr. Michael Mukasa Uganda Education Fund.
Checks can be written to SMM Fr. Michael Uganda Education Fund and sent to: Saint Margaret Mary Parish office, 6116 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska, 68132.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
10 Comments
Jerry’s quick wit and smile will be remember. Great neighbor!
So sorry for your loss, Nikki! It’s never easy losing a parent, even when you expect it! May you be surrounded with loving thoughts and memories of your dad! Peace to you and your family!!
Jerry had the rare ability to make everyone around him feel special and loved! He was never without a smile, a “Dad” joke, or a positive thought (or all three!). I will miss our Sunday visits and treasure those memories. God Bless You, Jerry!
We are all heartbroken with the news of our dear friend, Jerry, passing away. He provided us with many great memories. Our “blizzaard parties” Halloween trick or treaters, block parties, and so many other neighborhood get-togethers, he will truly be missed. Michaeleen and your beautiful family will be in our prayers.
Our dear friend will be missed by so many many people. Neighbors and friends on 52 street will remember his quick wit, and endless stories and jokes forever. His beautiful wife and family are well known among Dundee, and St. Margaret Mary’s parish. Our sincerest sympathies are sent to all of you.
I was not surprised that Michaeleen has such a sweet husband. I’ve known her through St Margaret Mary’s and her faith shown brightly through her kindness and ready smile welcoming all to her home and into her heart from countries as far as Africa. Jerry must have been quite the guy!
So many good times. I have known the 2 of you for as long as I knew Don . The CreVets party was the 1st time and then all the times back to Omaha to see family and the Bouleys. My condolences as as this is a really hard time and this has bought up my memory of Don and it will be 11years in June for him. Not that I don’t think of him often. Wish I could be there but impossible 😔 Love Judy
So sorry for your loss. Gerry was a super guy. He will be missed by all
Our heart felt condolences to Michaeleen and family on the passing of Jerry. We so enjoyed being your neighbors on 52nd St. We remember his quick wit and sense of humor as well as the kindness of your entire family. May he rest peacefully.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Jerry filling the room with his personality and humor. Even as a child you could sense it. Praying the entire family finds peace.
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