Steven De Boer

Steven R. De Boer was a kind and considerate man who brought happiness into the lives of all who knew him. He enjoyed being active and pursued some of his favorite pastimes of fishing, bowling and softball. Most importantly, however, Steven cherished every moment he was able to spend with his children and grandchildren, whom he adored.

With the end of World War II, American industry expanded to meet peacetime needs. Americans began buying goods not available during the war, which created corporate expansion and jobs. There was growth everywhere, including families, and the baby boom was underway. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Samuel De Boer and his wife, Dorothy (Heeringa), were having a “baby boom” of their own. Already the proud parents of five children: Jerry, Sherry, Tom, Jeanine and Ken, on March 12, 1953, the De Boer family got a little bigger with the birth of their son, Steven Ross. His older sister Cheryl loved doting on her baby brother and liked to help their mother take care of him.

As a child, Steven attended Harrison Park Elementary School and, like many young boys, he spent much of his leisure time fishing, hunting, playing ball and cribbage and taking karate lessons. After graduating from Grand Rapids Union High School in 1971, Steven started working in road construction until he took a job with Rapistan (now known as Siemens) in shipping and receiving and later as a crane operator. Steven was a dedicated and hardworking employee of Siemens for over 32 years.

In 1973, Steven married Candace Wurm at the Sunset Park Church of God. Although their marriage ended in divorce after five years, the couple was blessed with a daughter, Brandi. Some time later Steven met Cindy Horvath and together they had three children, Heather, Nichole and Steven. Supportive and loving, Steven took great pride in his children and would do anything for them. By example, he taught them things that matter in life, like standing up for yourself, and treating people with kindness and being generous at heart. Yet, on the other hand, he could also be a big tease and wisecracker, making everyone laugh at his antics. Steven adored his three grandchildren and loved spending time with them too.

Steven had always had a love for the outdoors, fishing and hunting. His absolute favorite place on earth was in the Croton/Hardy Dam area, where he enjoyed pursing these pastimes. When his children were growing up, he often took them out fishing on the pontoon boat and camping on Wabasis Lake, where Steven kept everyone, including the wooded animals awake with his very loud snoring. His daughters also fondly remember many hunting trips, including mushroom hunting, and golf outings with their father. These special memories now become treasures of their heart. Some other activities, which Steven enjoyed in his leisure time, included bowling, softball and playing poker or pool, perhaps gambling a little on the side. Although Steven had an unassuming nature and wasn’t much of a joiner, he did enjoy being a member of the Sons and Daughters Club on the west side of town. He didn’t much care for pets either, and in fact, the one time he had a pet, an aquarium of fish, he accidentally killed them all.

Steven was a reserved and somewhat private man, but was always kindhearted and polite. He had a wonderful sense of humor and appreciated nature and the energy of the great outdoors. Above all else, he will be lovingly remembered as a wonderful father and grandfather.

Steven Ross De Boer, age 52, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 16, 2005. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Dorothy De Boer, and two infant siblings, Jerry and Jeanine De Boer. He is survived by his loving children: Brandi (Jason) Shepard and her mother Candace Rapert, Heather Landon, Nichole Landon and Steven De Boer and their mother Cindy Berrington; three grandchildren: Marissa, Gracie and Jason Shepard. Also surviving is his sister, Sherry (Herm) Gast; brothers, Tom and Ken De Boer; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 20, at 1 p.m. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W., Grand Rapids, with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family on Wednesday, May 18, from 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, May 19, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Please visit Steven’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may leave a memory, sign the guestbook, order flowers or make a memorial contribution in his memory.