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John Boatman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Boatman
Sponsored by Ava Martha Simonsen.
Leelee
January 30, 2025
I took one of his last semesters at UWM. It was one of those large classes in a lecture hall, but unlike the rest, his was always full. Nobody wanted to miss it. We were fascinated by him. He told stories that I still think about more 2 decades later.
K
January 26, 2023
UWM really went downhill without him. I finally finished my Native Amer Indian studies certificate because I only needed one more class. Hopefully, I will graduate this year. It's too bad none of the current students will have a teacher like him becasue there never will be another one like him.
d
January 25, 2023
I didn't know you, but your Teaching lives in me. UWM ~1990. Blessings to you and yours in the hereafter - the ever present now. You touched many.
Terri Gordon
June 13, 2021
Its been 11 years and I miss you, my friend. I miss our talks and emails. At times, I feel you near and know you are listening. Your teachings still reside with me.
My father (John F. Boatman) with his father, Lester F. Boatman, mid 1970's
Colleen Boatman-Katchenago
April 27, 2020
My father (John F. Boatman) with Pauees, 1976
Colleen Boatman-Katchenago
April 27, 2020
June 17, 2019
I am back to UWM with his teachings fresh in my mind , as there will never be a professor like him. His teachings will always live on with his students. A'Ho!
Mary Puls
June 14, 2019
Mr Boatman always listened to me. I felt at home in his classroom. I was such a shy and awkward person then. He made me feel like I was an individual rather than an outcast.
July 25, 2018
Thinking of you today. Your guidance led me to the rez and if it was not for you my son would not be here and learning all you taught and how you set me on my journey. Much missed!!!!
Morgan Gerk
January 1, 2017
Go to Great Spirit John.... Thank you so much for what you taught me!
summer 1975 or 1976
Colleen Boatman-Katchenago
August 29, 2014
Tori Morse
April 13, 2014
His teaching remain with me to this very day as I can pass them on to my own children.
Ashlee Nelson
April 12, 2014
Always feeling your presence. Missing our conversations. Knowing and believing in your teachings. Honoring you and your friendship. My son is named Johnny Rosko Nelson. Muwah!
April 9, 2014
It makes me feel Mr Boatman lives on in the memories of his students. I can relate so well to all the things each of you write! He also changed my life and made me believe that my being here on Earth matters!
April 8, 2014
I only found out this weekend of John's passing. I feel awful I was not aware and only now can say goodbye and thank you, John. You changed my life; you taught me to teach and I am... you were right; I was one of you whether I wanted to be or not. I got that "piled higher and deeper" you told me to get, and I teach now, with your help.I miss you, and you are on my ancestor altar now. Mee'gwich, John, for everything.
- Murphy Pizza, Ph.D, St. Paul, MN
Mason
November 19, 2013
While at UWM I took every class I could fit into my schedule that Boatman taught. He was so passionate and knowledgeable about the things he taught. I am blessed to have known him.
Cedar Tree outside of Holton
Colleen Boatman
July 15, 2012
Plaque by cedar tree at UWM
Colleen Boatman
July 15, 2012
Aimee Schultz
July 15, 2012
Tessa Brilioth and all students that went on summer trips in the late 90's- 1996,1997, 1998, Please contact me, I would like to have reunion and see if we can get a memorial tree for John next to Kewaydinoqua's tree (sp?). Thank you!
Kelly Sager
July 14, 2012
It will be hard going back to UWM without him there. There will be no one that can take his place. He will be greatly missed.
Robin Posekany
February 24, 2011
This man has been one of the most important in my life. He is there with my Father and Grandfathers as to making me who I am today. I am unable to express what it means to me to hear so many others share how his Spirit, teachings and love and respect of life had such an impact upon he or she. I do not mourn for him, the family, nor myself. I mourn for those who never have had the opportunity and privilege to have John Boatman in his or her life. A true honour and a gift has been your teachings, inspiration and frienship. I shall not miss you, you will always be with me on both of our Journeys. Chimiigetch.
Kathy Fischer
February 23, 2011
Today, I thought of John Boatman, as I have many times over the past 20-some years. I googled his name, and am very sorry to find this obituary.
After taking every course John Boatman taught when I was in college in the late 1980's, I then signed up for an independent study, and later went on a Great Lakes study trip he led.
I am forever grateful for his teaching, and will never forget his kindness, compassion, openness, humor, generosity, wisdom and courage.
I can still hear his voice, and remember his teaching style--serious and reverent, dramatic and animated, and extremely witty, somehow all at once.
He cared not only about teaching students the subject matter well, he cared about us as human beings.
Migwetch, John Boatman. A million times Migwetch!
As sure as God made little green apples, I hope we'll meet again.
Mary Puls
January 9, 2011
I had Mr. Boatman way back when I was an eternal student at U.W.M. I will never forget his kindness in trying to help me graduate. He went out of his way for me. He understood the way I perceived the world and never judged me. I FINALLY graduated a few years ago!
Thank you Mr. Boatman !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andrea Bowes
January 4, 2011
I had John for a professor in the late '80's and he was
one of the most dynamic and memorable teachers I have
ever had. I just happened to hear of his passing andI
send him blessings in the Spirit World, where I know
he is continuing his good work.
Brian Zupet
December 17, 2010
You are hands down the most inspirational professor I've ever had. May your teachings live on in those you have touched over the many years
Taylor Thomas
December 13, 2010
I never knew him personally, but he was one of my mom's professors and when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, he did a lot to heal her. I wish he was here today to lend his help. She built a lot of her heart around his teachings. Thank you John.
Aimee Schultz
December 11, 2010
John Boatman was a true mentor to so many. His teachings will live with me always and will be passed on to others. His circle will continue. I am honored to have learned from him. Peace and love to his family and loved ones. Tessa said it best....Miigwetch John!
Jen Popelier-Teichert
November 15, 2010
My condolences to the family. I learned a lot about life and about myself from John, and am grateful to have known him. I know he is at peace in the next world.
Tessa Brilioth
October 31, 2010
Miigwetch John! I'll see you!
Kelly Accola
August 17, 2010
His teachings will always be alive inside of me.
Stephanie Marris
June 30, 2010
Professor Boatman was my favorite professor in college. I loved his classes. He was a great man and influential teacher. I'm sure he is soaring high with the Great Spirit!
June 29, 2010
Kevin and I wish to extend our condolences to the extended family of John Boatman.
He showed us how to live with dignity and integrity; he was a gift who served the people with courage and wisdom.
We met during his summer class in 1994. "My elders taught me" is the most ragged and tattered book in this household. Of all the things we learned in college, he taught us how to live our lives.
Oh my sisters and brothers
may the blessed ones give
your heart , courage and bravery
your mind, clear thinking
your hands have many good deeds to do
may your feet walk on the sun trail
in service of the people
May the eagles watch over you on your westward journey.
may he live on in all of us
Blessing and balance,
Balance and blessings
from balance, come blessings
Chi miigwech John, chi miigwech
Kevin and Diann Leszcynski
Lana Carman
June 29, 2010
My condolences to John's family. I too was one of John' s students taking his Wisconsin Native Americans class in the early 2000s. Because of his zeal for his culture, I learned so much about Wisconsin Native American tribes. He was a fair and honest professor. His retirement was a loss for UWM's history department.
Lisa Burns
June 25, 2010
His book has touched my soul and will be read by my children and my childrens children. He was a wise man and brilliant, passionate teacher. His legacy will live on. Thank you John Boatman for your zest for living an honorable life. You've made your ancestors and future family very proud I'm sure.
Ken Jenkins
June 24, 2010
Thank you, John.
As with so many others, your touch in my life was an inciting incident of change, of expansion, growth and acceptance. I hope we may all adequately honor your spirit and the spirit of all venerable elders. Migwich anishnabe.
Keep the fire burning.
Ava Martha Simonsen
June 24, 2010
John rocked my world. Literally. I will always thank him for doing so.
Taking his class at UWM was the single best part of my academic life. The lessons he taught me are embodied in my daily life.
The most important lesson for me was this - John said "if you want to learn, you have to teach". Well, I'm still learning, and passing it on with everything I do.
You lit the fire, John, and have touched so many - it will never go out.
Journey well in the Atisokanak.
Diana Hershaw
June 23, 2010
John was the best teacher I ever had. I think about him every now and then and his words of wisdom, love and caring. He will be greatly missed til we meet again in the Other World.
Tom Bruders
June 23, 2010
John, you were an amazing man to have touched so many lives with everlasting memories, what a great way to leave an impression upon this land you so loved! With all due respect, your nephew Tom (please forgive me for not taking one of your classes while I was attending UWM)
Kate Mewes-Fermani
June 23, 2010
I will never forget the love and passion for life, for people, and for justice that Professor Boatman showed as our teacher at UWM. I did not know history until I took Professor Boatman's class. Professor Boatman is a man of honor, and of great class! I will never forget him and the lessons he taught. Thank you, Professor, it was an honor to be your student. Rest well in knowing that you changed lives for the better!
Katherine Bennett
June 23, 2010
A great man and a wonderful teacher; he could be demanding and fair and funny all at the same time, and always wise. A true elder. I count myself lucky to have known him and to have learned from him.
June 23, 2010
"Death is not the end....." Safe passage on your continuing journey, my Dear friend. A Truer Friend I could not have found. I live what you taught me everyday. My dreams are always open to you. You will always be in my thoughts.
Terri Novak - Gordon, Milwaukee
Jackie Winston
June 22, 2010
My life changed the moment I took one of John Boatman's classes at UWM. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me.
Tim Benz
June 22, 2010
I can count the professors from UWM whose influence made a lasting impression on me with one hand, and still have a finger or two free....
John Boatman was one for sure. Like many others, I signed up for his class to satisfy a prereq, but ended up gaining a perspective I will always carry with me. Thank you and rest well.
r s
June 22, 2010
Thanks for many life lessons. To love is to give yourself completely without expecting anything in return. You will be missed and as others have said, not forgotten.
Jeff Murawski
June 22, 2010
He is one of the few professors I still talk about to this day. The lessons he taught have stayed with me all this time. My condolences to his family.
Dave Stevens
June 22, 2010
What a fantastic teacher!! At a point where I was lacking passion for college, one of his classes gave me a sense of direction. He was a teacher who always put students first and I will never forget that. Thank you John you will be missed but never forgotten.
Teri Penn
June 22, 2010
“Balance and Blessings, Blessing and Balance” Philosophy taught, internalized by his students. Time space continuum understood by those who listen. John’s words live on as they are spoken to new generations of students by those he taught. I will walk with you and listen. I know you will guide my son if he needs it, up to the Great Spirit. I just smudged my little guy’s grave. R. I. P. LYLE, R. I. P. JOHN
Help with our hearts as they ache. You are the greatest, wisest, professor in my life! Beaver Island and all the wondrous places we traveled.
Your loving student,
Amik Drum: Teri Penn
Julie Jorgensen
June 22, 2010
May you find peace and always dance among the great campfires in the sky. My prayers are with you and your family.
Laura Hicks (Shaffer) Class of '93
June 21, 2010
As a former teaching assistant and student of Dr. Boatman's, I was saddened to hear of his passing. He was very influential in my life, and I have been blessed to pass his knowledge to my children. He taught me to question things and trust my spirit. Compassion and finding the Sacred all around us are the values we practice in our house. I credit John with some of that. My memories of him are happy, and I imagine his spirit soaring.
Christiellen White
June 21, 2010
My heart is heavy with your passing my old friend, but I know that you are vacationing and frolicing in the Summerlands. Your teachings and lessons live on with Aine and all of her friends and eventually children. With love and light I will see you again sometime~
John, Ashlee, and Jim (Ashlee's Dad) 1998 UP
Ashlee Nelson (Rosko)
June 21, 2010
John with students UP 1998
Ashlee Nelson (Rosko)
June 21, 2010
John at the Mackinac Island butterfly house
Ashlee Nelson (Rosko)
June 21, 2010
John with students in Upper Michigan 1998
Ashlee Nelson (Rosko)
June 21, 2010
Tom Pusch
June 21, 2010
By far the most influential professor in my life. I really hope that someone picks up where he left off at UWM. I know I will do my best to teach my children what I learned in his classes.
The world would be a better place if everyone lived by the idea of: We don't inherit this earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our grandchildren.
Thank you for everything.
Tori Morse
June 21, 2010
So many memories, lessons, and knowledge to last a lifetime. A great influencial teacher who truly cared for his students. Thank you for so many irreplaceable gifts.
Joy Malloy
June 20, 2010
John was the most influential professor in my life. His courses came to me when I needed them most and helped me become who I am today. I was fortunate to be a part of the 1992 undergrad trip to the U.P. where we experienced magical moments while studying sacred religio-philosophial sites - such a great crew with John, Pat and Lee leading the way. I will miss him. On to new and better things John!
Anne Vedder(Schultz)
June 20, 2010
We'll be discussing this whole thing later when you are not so busy I'm sure. Missing you in this Now World though! Love and balance as always...
Anne Kertscher, President SAHS
June 20, 2010
On behalf of the Saukville Area Historical Society we would like to express our condolance to John's family.
His literary contribution "The Crossroads" has severd countless historians and geneology research of the Saukville area.
He will always be remembered and associated with His Story. His work continues to serve and enlighten future historians.
John & Ashlee Field Course 1998
Ashlee Nelson (Rosko)
June 20, 2010
I have seen the middle of the four roads and Walk in Honor proudly as you have given me the confidence to see with my eyes closed and trust the little child inside. Migwitch, for helping to make my life an adventure as I know you are apart of all who love you. Shine on my old friend, my greatest teacher, you live on in all of us. Until we dance again, welcome home.
Meghan Wielebski
June 19, 2010
What an inspiration to so many people. I have passed the stories he taught me to my own student throughout the years. My great mentor. You will not be forgotten.
Mary Bruders
June 19, 2010
Have a wonderful eternity with Jesus.
I love you.
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