Roger R. Boulter

Roger R. Boulter, age 90, passed away surrounded with love on September 12, 2024 in Lansing, MI.

Son of (John) Russell and Leta (Hayward) Boulter, Roger was born June 16, 1934 in Plainwell, Michigan. He graduated from Delton Rural Agricultural School in 1952 before continuing his education at General Motors Institute (GMI) AKA Kettering University where he earned a Business Administration degree with specialization in Industrial Control in 1956. 

Following his education, Roger honorably served his country in the United States Army before beginning his career with General Motors (GM) by submitting his application through a woman named Donna Paasch who would later become his bride. Roger proudly worked as a Purchasing Manager in the Oldsmobile Division. A place where he not only met his sweetheart and contributed to the rise of the brand but also formed lifetime friendships.

Roger retired from GM in 1987, however, he was not quite ready to stop working. In retirement he continued to work on his rental houses and at Troy Design and Manufacturing Co., Estes-Leadley Funeral Home, and Sheraton Inn AKA Crowne Plaza as well as teaching at Michigan State University and Lansing Community College. Roger also volunteered at R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.

When Roger decided to stop working, he became an avid Harley rider taking trips around the country with his brothers and friends where he became known as the “good brother”. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting (mostly for the social aspect), camping, sailing, and cars. Roger was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Michigan Road Riders, the Oldsmobile Outdoor Club, and Beta Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

Roger is survived by his children, Cheryl (Andrew) Hedberg, Todd (Gwen) Boulter, Jill (Glenn) Hookey; grandchildren, Stephanie (Andrew “Hambone”) Westrick, Alexander Corey, Nicholas Corey, Allison Hookey, and Ryan Hookey; brother, Stuart (Diana) Boulter, sister-in-law, Esther Keyes, sister-in-law, Kathryn “Kay” Boulter; and several nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents; brother, Arnold Boulter; sister-in-law, Ardith Boulter; brother-in-law, Thomas Keyes; and nephew, Kevin Boulter.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2024, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4001 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing with interment to follow in Delta Center Cemetery. Roger’s family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, as well as one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you check the air in your tires, get your oil changed, and replace your furnace filters, just as he did anytime the grandkids visited. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or Michigan Parkinson Foundation in memory of Roger Boulter.