Ronald James Boileau

Ronald James Boileau, (Pa, RJB, Pops), age 89, of Larsen, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side on Sunday March 30, 2025. Ron was born on March 23rd, 1936, in Marinette, to the late Clayton and Evelynn (Betzinger) Boileau.
He was raised in Marinette on the family farm and often shared stories and memories of growing up on the farm with his parents and three brothers. One of his favorites was how every Sunday night was popcorn night, and they had to use their hands to twist the kernels off the cobs, and how much it hurt but, the bonus was fresh popcorn weekly.
He left the family farm to join the Service. He was turned down a few times because of his size, but he was determined to honor his country and at that time he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at 5010th USAF Hospital in Alaska. After serving 4 years he was Honorably Discharged in 1958. He often shared stories of the freezing cold temperatures, all the issues they had keeping the Jeeps (ambulances) plugged in and warm, how they would sneak off base in the Jeeps, and the time he got in trouble for picking up a civilian hitchhiking.
After his time in the Service, the family had relocated to Neenah, where he worked some odd jobs, one was painting for Hayes & Sons, where he had met lifelong friends. Those were the friends that he rode his Triumph motorcycle around town with, stopping at the old watering holes in Neenah and Menasha. There were many stories from that time in his life, some shareable, some not.
He started his career working at Wisconsin Tissue Mills Plant 1 in Menasha. While at the mill, he attended Fox Valley Technical College earning his Millwright Apprentice, another proud moment in his life. He retired from the Mill after 35 years.
He enjoyed fishing while living on the lake, hunting, mainly small game and big bucks, which he did up by his land in Navarino. Most weekends you would find him up at the land spending time with his best friend Ron Hogan. If you needed them two you could always find them out back, in the garage, or at the neighborhood bar, enjoying their Old Styles.
He enjoyed going out with his daughters, Anna and Jodi, attending happy hours, doing the sign ins, checking the boards, singing karaoke, and just plain socializing and sharing his stories. After losing Anna in 2010, doing those things were not the same anymore and he then spent more time at home in Larsen, where he led a quiet life. During this time, you could usually find him drinking a cold one in the driveway. He enjoyed sharpening knives, watching wildlife, working his word puzzles, and tinkering around with all his flashlights. He was a die-hard Wisconsin sports fan, so anytime the Packers, Brewers, or Badgers were on, he was watching and cheering them on.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Jodi Boileau-Madel, his grandchildren, Jessie (Heidi) Betzinger, Megan (Corey) Essler, and his great grandchildren, Lawson Betzinger, Noah Johnson, Kaeden, Jacoby, Harper, Beckett, and Truett Essler. His brother Richard Boileau a sister-in-law Jackie Boileau special nephew; Daniel (Penny) Boileau, (fishing trips to Canada, visiting his Uncle Ron and was so much support for Jodi during this difficult time) special niece; Therese Boileau, (she sent a card to Uncle Ron for every holiday, he always knew there was going to be a card in the mailbox from her) and several other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Anna M. Boileau, two of his brothers, Raymond and Kenneth, and a nephew Jon Boileau.
A memorial service will be held for Ron at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday April 8, 2025 at the Kessler Fahrenkrug Funeral Home 304 S. Commercial St., Neenah. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Military Honors will be conducted by the Neenah-Menasha Funeral Honors Team following the service.
Ron will get one last ride in his Mustang as Jodi will be driving him to his final resting place in Oak Hill Cemetary next to his loving daughter, and his parents.
The family would like to recognize Dr. Knaus's staff for their compassion they have given to Ron through the years. Also, thank you to the ThedaCare Hospice Team.
You are special to me because you are my dad. I love you!