John J. “Jack” Boltralik, age 89, of O’Fallon, Missouri passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. Jack was born in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania on June 24, 1926 to Vincent and Antionette (Bobkowski) Boltralik. He graduated from Mr. Carmel High School and then joined the Army serving from 1943-1946 during World War II in the Army Air Force. He was a B-29 Bomber gunner and later in his military service was a surgical technician. He achieved the rank of Sergeant.

After the service, he attended and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science Degree in Chemistry. Jack was a research Biochemist with Alcon Labs for over 30 years retiring in 1997. While at Alcon, his work resulted in his receiving eight US and foreign patents. He was awarded the Alcon Technical Award in 1988 and inducted into the Alcon Hall of Fame. He married the former Lois French on February 1, 1951 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Jack loved to spend his time reading, researching and especially spending time with his grandkids. Following his retirement, he began a second “career” as an investor. He was also an avid tennis player and continued his regular Thursday night tennis game with close friends until moving from Texas to Missouri.

Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lois Boltralik of O’Fallon, MO; sons Bill Boltralik of St. Peters and Gary (Veronica Johnson) Boltralik of O’Fallon MO; two grandsons, Nicholas and Alexander Boltralik; a brother Henry (Stella) Boltralik of Baltimore MD; a sister Rita Boltralik of New Jersey, and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Mary Ann Sivulich and Ramona Wertz.


A funeral service for Jack Boltralik will be 12 Noon Monday June 27, 2016 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters MO 63376 with Rev. Anthony Houston officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at 2:00 PM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks MO.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until service time at noon Monday at Newcomer Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in Jack's honor may be made to:

USO of Missouri, Inc.
Attn: Donations
P.O. Box 10367
10701 Lambert International Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63145

or https://usostl.org/donation


To share a memory of Jack, or a special message to the family, please click the Share Memories tab at the top of the page.