Zeke Bouche

Zeke was born on Feb. 28, 1953, in Iron Mountain, the son of the late Neil and Ruth (Maynard) Bouche. He graduated from Iron Mountain, Class of 1971, before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served his country for four years.

He married Cheryl Payne on June 13, 1992, at the Christ United Methodist Church in Crystal Falls. He was employed in the environmental services department at the Oscar G. Johnson V.A. Hospital in Iron Mountain for 30 years, retiring in 2008.

A lifelong resident of the area, Zeke was a member of the Tufts-Rondon VFW Post 2891 in Crystal Falls and the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 in Iron Mountain, where he enjoyed playing bingo.

He also enjoyed attending the farmers’ market and spending time at camp. Zeke loved socializing as he was a genuine people person with a great sense of humor.

Zeke is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his three sons, James Bouche of Iron Mountain, Mike Bouche of Marquette and Jeremy Bouche of Skandia; four grandchildren, Mikie (Carol), Kyla, Sophie and her brother Hank; his in-laws, Harold (Dawn) Payne, Doug (Sue) Payne, Ronnie (Amy) Payne, JoLynn Perry and Erin (Shannon) Reinke; and nieces and nephews, Erica Payne (Mike Mering) , Kim (Brian) Nurmi, Anja and Henry, Monica (Robert) Fabbri, Leo, Bryant (Alison) Wheeler, Emmett, Elaina Perry, Brian (Emily) Perry, Nolan, Julia (Mike) Courchaine, Adelaid and Anders, Grace (Max), Lily (Cody) and Caleb Reinke, Kim Zebrowski, Carson, Cathi Panfil, Jessica Payne, Brody, Jennifer Malloy-Howell, and Joseph; special friends John and Kathy Wahoviak, Ray Bryant, Gene Peterson and Holly and Dave Gould.

He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Ed “Timer” and Jo Payne; brother-in-law, Tom Perry; and nephew, Austin Reinke.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Pastor Steve Rhoades will officiate, and the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military honors.

A Celebration of life immediately following Graveside Service at Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50, 916 River Ave., Iron Mountain.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the U.P. Honor Flight, 7542 J Road, Gladstone, MI 49837.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Zeke Bouche online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.