Chris Boland, 81

Christopher James Boland, age 81, of Burr Oak, passed away Friday afternoon, March 31, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

He was born May 14, 1941 in Springfield, Illinois son of the late Rev. Christopher H. T. and Rachel J. (Ekre) Boland.

Chris resided in Sturgis since 1969 coming from Eaton Rapids. His early life was spent in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin where he was a graduate of Port Washington, WI High School with the class of 1959. Following his graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving with the 101st Airborne earning the rank of E-5. While serving in the Army it was during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

On December 29, 1965 he married Catherine Schirding in Petersburg, Illinois.

Chris had been involved in the retail tire industry for over 50 years. His career began with Firestone Tires and he soon became the owner and operator of Town and Country Tire which was renamed Boland Tire Company.

He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed collecting, building and repairing clocks of all kinds, and pocket watches, and he also enjoyed fishing.

Chris is survived by his wife: Catherine; daughters: Emilie (Pat) Bright and Rachel Boland both of Sturgis; son: Matthew (Victoria) Boland of Sturgis; grandchildren: Christopher (Jessica) Boland of Mendon, Emma Boland of Allendale and Ella Bright currently a student at Alma College; great grandchildren: Liam and Blake Boland; step-grandchildren: Annalissa (Oakley) Stevens, Ailaina Cholometes and Justin Cooper, Ethan (Chelsie) Bright, Lucas (Maranda) Bright; step-great grandchildren: Haven and Beckham Stevens, Tiernan, Royce and Bodee Bright; brothers: Stephen (Carol) Boland of Sturgis and John (Patricia) Boland of Elmhurst, Illinois; brother-in-law: James Mulally and a large number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister: Ruth Mary Mulally.

In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations would be appreciated to the See Me Home Senior Dog Sanctuary, 25019 Featherstone Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 W. Edison Rd., Suite 122, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.