John DeBoer

John De Boer was a man of strong faith whose life was a constant reflection of his beliefs. Although his life was filled with many accomplishments and joys, none of these things mattered more to John than one day hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from the One he held most dear. John cherished his family, realizing that life is not about what you get, but about what you give. He left behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and love that will be forever cherished by those he leaves behind.

The 1920’s were a time in our nation’s history when families often banded together, working together for the common good. Simon and Anna (De Voogd) De Boer, of Grand Rapids, Michigan were looking forward to a changing landscape in their own family as Anna was due to give birth to their first child at any time. They were blessed on February 5, 1924 with the birth of their son, John. As the oldest of three boys, John attended Baldwin Christian School and later, Grand Rapids Christian High School. It was in high school that John met a delightful young girl that would change the course of his life; her name was Arelyne Visser. A short time later, the young couple began dating.

After graduating from high school, John worked for about a year before he was drafted into the Army during WWII. John served in China, Burma, and India with the Signal Corps which develops, tests, provides, and manages communications and information systems support for the command and control of combined armed forces. Although John and Arelyne were separated physically during this time, their hearts remained joined and ten days after returning safely home, John and Arelyne were married on November 17, 1945 at Richmond Reformed Church.

Awhile after they were united in marriage, John and Arelyne were blessed with the births of four children. John embraced his role as a father and he had a way of letting his children know that they were always loved in their own unique way. He treated his children just like he treated others; he was quiet, humble, patient, and compassionate. John worked hard to support his family as an electrician; he had a strong work ethic and was talented at his work as well. He was often recognized for his abilities and was made a foreman or supervisor at construction sites. John demonstrated the importance of his Christian faith by being an active member at Richmond Reformed Church, before he and Arelyne switched to West Leonard Christian Reformed Church, which remained their home church for many years.

When John returned home from work, his work day was far from over; to him there was always something to be done; whether it was things around his own house, or things to help out friends or loved ones, he was always looking for ways to use his talents. His talents reached far and wide; he was a jack of all trades, he could fix, build, or create just about anything, including building his own home! When John built things, there was never any question as to the workmanship; John only did things the right way and they were also built to last.

John was a man of few words, but when he did speak, people knew they should listen as he was a man of great wisdom. No matter the situation, John could always seem to find the silver lining and on the rare occasion that there didn’t seem to be one, John kept silent - he never complained. John was a natural teacher, perhaps due in part to his patient and gentle nature. He demonstrated what needed to be done, and then let someone do it themselves, calmly demonstrating again, or correcting if needed. John had a heart that knew no bounds which encompassed everything and everyone placed in his path. He volunteered for a variety of organizations including his church, West Side Christian School, CRWRC, Disaster Response Service and Mississippi Christian Family Services. For 13 years, John and Arelyne traveled to serve directly for Mississippi Christian Family Services, an organization that provides various resources for those in need, where John again put his many talents to work.

Later in life, John found additional joy in various things; he adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was actively involved in their lives, attending many of their events. John also found great contentment by just being in their presence, drinking in all they had to mutually offer each other. He had special relationships with each of them, just as he had with his own children. John enjoyed retirement because it gave him time to do more of what he loved the most, working to help others. For the past several years, John and Arelyne have spent the winter months in Florida which gave John the opportunity to get away from his “work” to enjoy some recreational time. It was never a problem, however, if he was interrupted during his game of shuffleboard or games with friends to help someone in need.

Whether he was delighting young children dressed up as Santa Claus, helping a loved one with a home improvement project, or enjoying a game of shuffleboard in the Florida sunshine, John framed everything he did around a desire to bring glory to his Lord. He lived a life of service in both the easy and hard times, embracing his favorite passage which states, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” John delighted in everything in his life, the intricate details of a rose, the grand display of wonder during celebratory fireworks, or the peacefulness of holding a great-grandchild, all of these things and more were pure joy. “Old Puppy,” as he was affectionately called by his great-grandchildren provided all who knew and loved him with a collection of memories which will be forever etched on their hearts. He will be deeply missed.

John De Boer, of Grand Rapids, MI, died on December 31, 2008. John’s family includes his wife, Arelyne; their children Dianne and Don Vander Boegh, Lindy and Bob Velderman, Tom and Linda De Boer, Pat and Ted Hall; grandchildren Tammie & Rick Otte, Laura & Drew Corell, Amy & David Porter, Todd & Elaine Vander Boegh, Kim & Kraig Vruggink, Jillyne & Kevin Wisdom, Dena & Tim Apotheker, Todd & Jennifer Velderman, Kristina & Andrew Meyer, Matthieu Kragt, Teddi & Brian Mc Eachern, Steve & Erin Hall, Scott & Trisha Hall; 32 great grandchildren; brothers Frank (Hilda) De Boer, Marv (Merrie Lou) De Boer; and many nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Saturday, January 3 at 3 p.m. at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church with his pastor, Rev. Neil Jasperse, officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with his family on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills - Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Please visit John’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to either David’s House or Mississippi Christian Family Services.