Jon Wilson Boulanger, age 51, of Highland, IL, died Friday, October 29, 2021, at Saint Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, MO.
He was born on March 21, 1970, the son of Jay and Catherine (nee Turner) Boulanger.
On April 16, 1994, he married Karen Jane Korte at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, who survives.
Jon was born in Carbondale, IL. At age 4, he moved to Highland. He was a graduate of Highland High School in 1988 and was Salutatorian of his class. He lettered in soccer and wrestling, played in the band (Outstanding Bandsman his senior year), and performed in school musicals. He was a singer, keyboardist, and songwriter in the band “Zero Gravity” with his buddies. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in 1992. While in college, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Employed at Ameren since 2013, he was Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement, having obtained certification from the Milwaukee School of Engineering as a Certified Lead Lean Facilitator.
He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL. Very active in his parish, he was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a Hospitality Minister and was on the Kirchenfest Auction Committee. He and Karen dedicated 13 years to leading Marriage Preparation classes for the Springfield Diocese. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Father McGivney Catholic High School Board and was a member of the Executive Board. He was on the Telecommunications Advisory Board in Highland and was Chairman twice for the Pregnancy Care Center Spring Banquet.
Jon always enjoyed music. He was a great pianist, played a mean guitar, and had the best playlists for any occasion. Always involved in soccer, he was a big fan of Manchester United Futbol Club. He coached for the Premiere Soccer Club, formerly Korte Blue Fire, in Highland and served as President and Vice President of the club. He was the biggest fan of the Glen-Ed United soccer team, on which his sons played. He loved fishing with his buddies and made occasional trips to Canada and Arkansas. He was also a keen chess player and enjoyed challenging his sons to frequent games. Anyone that knew Jon knows that he was always the resident bartender and made the world’s greatest margarita. A great chef, he grew his own spices and vegetables, and his 21 pepper plants were his pride and joy, just after his children.
He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments in their athletics, on the stage, and in school. His favorite pastimes were watching his children do the things they love. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include: Wife – Karen Jane (nee Korte) Boulanger, Highland, IL; Daughter – Danielle Korte Boulanger, Highland, IL; Son – Aaron Gregory Boulanger, Highland, IL; Son – Jon Patrick Boulanger, Highland, IL; Son – Wilson Paul Boulanger, Highland, IL; Daughter – Miriam Catherine Boulanger, Highland, IL; Father – Jay W. Boulanger, Highland, IL; Mother – Catherine L. Boulanger (nee Turner), Highland, IL; Brother – (Twin) Joel W. (Kimberly) Boulanger, New Prague, MN; Brother – Grant J. (Shelley) Boulanger, Saint Paul, MN; Brother – Matthew T. Boulanger, PhD, Dallas, TX; Brother – Michael J. H. (Melissa) Boulanger, Saint Louis, MO; Nieces and Nephews – Several; Great Nieces & Great Nephews – Several.
He was preceded in death by: Daughter – Gabrielle Cecilia Boulanger – Died 02/14/2013.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will start at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, November 02, 2021, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 03, 2021, at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 03, 2021, at Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, IL, with Rev. Fr. Pat G. Jakel, Pastor, Saint Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL, officiating.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul School Educational Foundation, Father McGivney Catholic High School, or Highland Area Christian Service Ministry (HACSM – Highland Food Pantry).
