Michael Ray Boespflug

Michael Ray (Butch) Boespflug has hung his hook for the last time on July 2nd, 2025 while surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old.

Mike was born in Tacoma, WA on May 7th, 1945. He was the second child of Anton (Abe) and Mary Boespflug. He graduated from Wilson Highschool in Tacoma, WA, Class of 1963. After Highschool, Mike enlisted in the United States Navy Air, where he was stationed in China Lake, California. Here he met his sweetheart Janice Haynes. They married in 1969 and had three children, Roger, David, and Kimberly. Mike was a Longshoreman in Tacoma ILWU Local 23 for over 45 years where he retired as a crane operator. His three children followed him to the waterfront and became members of Local 23.

His beloved wife Jan passed in 1997. In 2002, Mike married Linda Hilliard, his childhood next door neighbor, when they became reacquainted. His greatest joy in life was fishing on his boat and enjoying time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, his sons - Roger Boespflug and David Boespflug, his daughter - Kimberly Boespflug, his stepsons - Harry Bender and Bryan Bender, his dear sister Sandra Berg, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a niece and a nephew, and numerous cousins.

Mike will be dearly missed by his family, many friends and fishing partners.

He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma.

There will be a Celebration of Life Gathering, on August 9th, 2025 from 2pm-5pm, at Tacoma Elks, 2013 S Cedar Street, Tacoma, WA 98405.

Please join us to Honor and Remember Mike.