Michael Boswell

Michael C. “Mike” Boswell, 67, of Cape Girardeau, also known as “Bozz” back in his college days, was called home by our Heavenly Father on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, while receiving care at Unity Point Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa.

Mike was born Nov. 22, 1949, in St. Louis, the older twin son of Charles W. and Edith E. Rufkahr Boswell.

St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Barrington, Illinois, was the site of Mike’s wedding to Maryellen Mackin on Aug. 3, 1974. From that time on, Southeast Missouri became his home, first for nine years in Scott City and then in Cape Girardeau.

Mike served as a radioman in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 21 years, along with twin brother Dennis. Their active-duty years were spent at the Naval Communication Station on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Mike retired as petty officer first class.

Mike graduated from St. Charles High School in St. Charles, Missouri, in 1967. He received bachelor of arts and master of arts in teaching degrees from Southeast Missouri State University in 1976 and 1979, respectively. His emphasis of study was always art.

After college, Mike embarked on a 30-year career as a commercial art engraver, first with American Greetings and later with Cape Art Engraving and then Cape Art Die.

With the closing of the engraving shop in 2009, Mike put his Naval communication skills back to work, becoming a motel reservationist at Drury Hotels National Call Center, where he was employed from the beginning of 2010 until he suffered a stroke in August 2015.

Mike was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau. He was an avid gun enthusiast, and he spent much of his spare time at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Survivors include his wife, Maryellen Boswell of Cape Girardeau; their daughter, Amanda Seyer, and grandson, Shane Seyer of Cape Girardeau; his twin brother, Dennis J. Boswell of St. Charles; brother, Charles W. Boswell of St. Peters, Missouri; and sister, Mary Judith Seifert of Lindale, Texas.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents.

A private burial was held Sept. 11 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

Friends may call Sept. 25 following the 6:30 p.m. memorial Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Prodigy Leadership Academy in Cape Girardeau for the funding of the Michael C. Boswell Memorial Scholarship.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau was in charge of arrangements.