John Boston 06/01/2026

John Edwin Boston was born on December 12, 1948, in Delaware County, Berkshire Township, Ohio, to James Oliver and Grace (Breeding) Boston. He passed away on June 1st, 2026, at the age of 77 in his home surrounded by family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 545 Stageline Road, Hudson, WI. Burial will be held at a later date in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

John attended Chesterville Elementary and Middle School, Highland High School, and Otterbein College. He loved playing in a rock band in high school and later became part of “The Loreys.” They had many fans and went on to serve as the backup band in Columbus, Ohio, for Kenny Rogers and the First Edition, Bob Seger, and others. He also put together a group that became “Bridgeport,” a local favorite band in central Wisconsin.

He worked for North Electric of Ohio and was later sent to Wisconsin Rapids with a crew to install digital service to the area. One day, he saw a blue Mustang and flagged it down. The driver would become his wife, Rae Ann, and they were soon married. John hired on at Wood County Telephone Co. to stay in the area. After more than 40 years at the phone company, he retired after experiencing some heart problems. His final years of work were exciting, as he was promoted to Enhancement Engineer, bringing satellite and fiber capabilities to the area through telecommunications technology.

John’s love of sports was well known, and he remained an avid “Buckeye” fan throughout his life. One of his greatest joys was coaching his son’s baseball teams. Starting with little league and moving up with his sons until he became the President of the American Legion organization in Wisconsin Rapids. He believed sports taught hard work, discipline and teamwork.

While most people slow down after retirement, John did the opposite and fulfilled his dream of being a drag racer. He became quite successful, winning events and reaching the final four in his class. He raced in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio.  He built newer and faster cars, but his heart continued to slow him down.  As his health declined he returned to his passion of music and shared that love with his grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by an infant son, Bradley Josh, his parents, and brother Gee Fuller.

John is survived by his wife RaeAnn, four children—Michael (Artemisa), Daniel (Alison), Timothy (Jade), and Lindsey (Eric)—10 grandchildren: Claire, Ethan, Jane, Alex, Ella, Christian, James, Annabelle, Maxwell, and Vivian, and one great-grandson, River.

John was a man of integrity, an honest man who loved his family, his friends, and his faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be remembered for his love for family and friends and also his faith that “families can be together forever.” He was well known for his inspiring talks, which were always geared toward life experiences and how to lift up those who listened.  His life was one of service and love for music and family.

John’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Regions Hospital and the St. Croix Hospice staff for their excellent care of John as he lived his last days and for the care they provided for his family as well.

May he rest in peace in the arms of his Savior and family forever.