Thomas Boucher

Lake Wales, Fla.

Thomas “Chuck” Boucher, 92, Lake Wales, FL formerly of Minot passed October 1, 2025.

Chuck was born July 1, 1933, in Minot ND and grew up on the family farm south of Des Lacs ND. Chuck attended school in Des Lacs and graduated as Valedictorian from Des Lacs High School in 1951. Chuck played basketball in high school and was the leading scorer with 15.1 points per game average with 301 points total in his Senior year.

Following high school, Chuck helped his Dad Carver on the family farm. During this time, he attended Minot’s Business College, where he earned an associate’s degree in accounting. Chuck subsequently joined the North Dakota National Guard unit in Minot from 1952 until 1958. He was later called to active duty with the U.S. Army, where he deployed to Korea during the war. In Korea, he served as a clerk/typist for a Colonel at the Command Post. After 14 months of active duty, he returned to his guard unit in Minot. He was honorably discharged in 1958. He received a Good Conduct Medal and left the Army as a Sargent. Chuck was very proud of his service in the Army. He was a long-time member of the American Legion. Chuck was able to go to Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight to see the Korean War Memorial in 2017. Thank you to Kevin, Chuck’s son-in-law, who organized a Veteran Last Patrol for Dad while he was in Hospice Care. So great to see him smile like that.

Following his military service, Chuck pursued a career in the Airlines. He worked for North Central Airlines, which later became Republic Airlines, then Northwest Airlines and finally Delta Airlines upon his retirement. Chuck dedicated 34 years to the airline industry.

On September 11, 1964, Chuck married Phyllis, and they enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Together they raised eight children. Chuck was a very active volunteer for Bishop Ryan High School Activities Association. He was a life long member of the Knights of Columbus, the Moose and Elks Club. Over the years he enjoyed bowling, golfing, shuffleboard and building clocks. He and Phyllis wintered in Lake Wales, Florida until her death in 2012. In Florida, Chuck was an active member of CAP (Citizen Assisted Patrol) and many other clubs and activities in the retirement community of Saddlebag Lake Resort. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales. Thank you, Miriam, for bringing communion to our Dad when he could no longer attend mass.

Chuck is survived by his children: Ronald (LaVonne) Boucher of Minot, Jeffrey( Mary) Boucher of Pequot Lakes, MN, Karen (Kevin) Cravens of Winter Haven, FL., Brian (Trish) Boucher of St. Cloud MN, Patricia (Ric) Aberle of Bismarck, ND, Cheryl (Jay) Pfau of Billings, MT, Thomas (Meredith) Boucher of St. Cloud MN, and Kimberly Boucher of Shakopee, MN.; twelve grandchildren Lindsay Fleming, Nicole Boucher, Brittany (Kurt) Cooperrider, Aaron Cravens, Megan (Jade) Johnson, Catherine Pfau, Ethan Boucher, Matthew Aberle, Josef Pfau, Benjamin, Bethany and Breanna Boucher; eight great grandchildren Harley (Alex Navarro) Fleming, Tatum Fleming, Slade Thomas, Hayes and Evie Cooperrider, Peyton Cravens, Lily and Rhett Johnson; Sister Fay Lautenschlager of Minot, ND; a sister-in-law Janet (Frank) Kantor Newburg Park, CA and his companion of several years Marilyn Storm, Lake Wales.

Chuck is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his parents Carver and Viola Boucher; his brother John “Jack” Boucher; his sister-in-law Shirley Boucher; and brother-in-law Lester Lautenschlager, several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law of Phyllis’s family and many close cousins and friends.

Thank you to the staff of Astoria Senior Living for their wonderful loving care of our Dad for his last months of his long life. Thank you to Compassionate Care Hospice, especially Teresa for the extra love and care you gave our Dad.

Visitation: Friday October 10th from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot, ND.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Vigil Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Thomas Family Funeral Minot, ND. Per Chuck’s request, following the Rosary and prayers, an Irish wake will take place. Come and toast Chuck and share stories about him.

Mass of the Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Saturday October 11, 2025 St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, Minot, ND. To view a recording of the service or share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: Des Lacs Community Cemetery in the Boucher Family Plot.

Memorials: In Lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are preferred to Bishop Ryan High School Foundation Minot, ND or Veteran Last Patrol (veteranlastpatrol.org).

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 7, 2025.