Michael J. Boyle, 90, Waite Park

January 15, 1927 - January 27, 2017

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at St. Mary’s Cathedral Lower Church in St. Cloud for Michael J. Boyle, age 90, of Waite Park. Michael passed away peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta with friends at his side. Reverend Scott Pogatchnik will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will be in St. Marcus Parish Cemetery in Clear Lake at a later date.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31 at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and after 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Parish Prayers will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Michael was born January 15, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA to the late James A. and Anna (Gavin) Boyle. He attended St. Callistus Grade School and graduated from St. Thomas More Boy’s Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He then graduated from St. Patrick’s College, University of Ottawa, Canada. Subsequently, Michael entered St. John Home Missions Seminary and was ordained a priest on May 16, 1953 for the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Michael had assignments as Associate Pastor of St. Mary’s in Durand, WI; Associate Pastor of Cathedral of St. Joseph, La Crosse, WI; Instructor at St. Thomas Aquinas High School; then became Assistant Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse where he was also assigned as Chaplin at the Children’s Home. Michael went on to further his studies by graduating with a Master’s Degree in Social Service at the University of Ottawa, Canada.

In 1967, after receiving a church dispensation, Michael left the priesthood and moved to St. Cloud, MN, obtaining employment as a Social Worker at Central Minnesota Mental Health Center. He was a counselor for 28 years and initiated the Day Treatment Program, retiring in 1995. After retirement, he engaged in private practice at Child and Family Guidance Center and enjoyed his role as a course ranger with Wapicada Golf Club.

Michael met Ethel R. Witschen, from St. Cloud, at a dance hall in St. Paul. He married Ethel on May 9, 1970 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Highland Park, St. Paul. They resided in Sherwood Shores near Clear Lake from 1972 until 2003 and were active members of St. Marcus Parish. They moved to Waite Park in 2003 and became members of St. Mary’s Cathedral where Michael sang in the choir.

Michael enjoyed fishing, singing in the choir, duck hunting, grouse hunting, talking sports, reading and discussing books with his book club, of which he had been a member for years, and visiting with good friends. He was also an avid golfer. He and Ethel loved being at the lake, taking an annual journey to the Grand Marais area in the North Shore of Lake Superior.

When asked what he felt passionate about, he responded “Taking care of Ethel”.

Michael is survived by his sister, Helen Dudek of Florida, nieces, nephews, godchild Ella Lodewyk and many, many good friends. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Fr. James Boyle and his beloved wife Ethel (2011).

A special thank you to CentraCare Hospice and the Quiet Oaks Hospice House for their professional and compassionate care.

Memorials are preferred to Quiet Oaks Hospice House or to St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish.