Neopit mechanic William Lefty Boivin Sr., 63, unexpectedly dies at home

“William R. ‘Lefty’ Boivin, Sr., age 63, of Neopit, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday February 24, 2026, at his home.” The longtime auto mechanic - known around Neopit for his knack with engines and small fixes - is survived by his son William (Anita) Boivin, Jr. and six grandchildren, and visitation was set at the Neopit Community Center beginning Friday, Feb. 27 at 2:00 p.m.

“Lefty was born on June 4, 1962, in Shawano to the late John and Dorla (Wayka) Boivin, Sr.” He graduated from Menominee High School and attended college at Stevens Point before spending many years working as an auto mechanic. Swedberg Funeral Home’s obituary captured pieces of his personality: “Lefty worked as an auto mechanic for many years and loved to tinker with things.”

Family notices list a wide circle of survivors and relatives. “Lefty is survived by his son, William (Anita) Boivin, Jr.; grandchildren, Alexi, Lily, William, III, Perseus, Jack and Bella; siblings, Raphael Boivin, Dale (Nancy) Boivin and Wendell Boivin; and mother of his children, Sue.” The obituary also records that “Lefty was an amazing father; his son was his whole world and loved spending time with his family when he could,” underscoring the central role his immediate family played in his life.

Obituaries further list relatives who preceded him in death. “Lefty is preceded in death by his daughter, Anna; siblings, Kevin Boivin, Anthony ‘Bucky’ Boivin, John Boivin, Jr., Anna Boivin, Curtis Boivin and in infancy, Candice Boivin; and parents, John, Sr., and Dorla Boivin.” The published notices include Anna both as a daughter and among siblings listed as predeceased; the notices do not clarify whether those references denote the same person or two relatives with the same name.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Swedberg Funeral Home & Crematory of Shawano. “Visitation will be held at the Neopit Community Center starting on Friday from 2:00 pm until the time of service on Saturday.” The Neopit Community Center is listed at 6797 Bureau of Indian Affairs Route 431, Neopit, WI 54150. “A funeral mass for Lefty will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday February 28, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Fr. Hanz Christian officiating.” St. Anthony Catholic Church is listed at W6786 Bureau of Indian Affairs Route 431, with burial planned for St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in the spring.

Online memorial pages record notable engagement: Swedberg’s guestbook shows “Visits: 2784,” and other memorial sites offer options such as “Light a candle” and tree-planting remembrances through the Legacy sympathy store. For family arrangements and further information, Swedberg Funeral Home & Crematory in Shawano is listed as handling services; Legacy’s page lists Swedberg’s address at 518 W Fifth Street, Shawano, WI 54166.