John Den Boer, who spent his summers at Gun Lake, died Saturday, March 18. He was 75.
Born Nov. 15, 1947, in Sunnyside, Wash., the son of Leonard and Angeline (Arends) Den Boer, John graduated from Washington State University in 1970 with a business degree and began working as a systems engineer for Boeing (Everett, Washington) until 1986. Pursuing a career change, he attended Western Michigan University, earning a bachelor of science degree in 1988, and then worked as a physician assistant with Advantage Health in Grand Rapids until his retirement in 2013.
On April 6, 1974, in Kalamazoo, he married Merrie Beth Dupon, who survives.
John enjoyed restoring vintage cars and taking and sharing photographs. Also, he looked forward to spending summers on Gun Lake and, after his retirement, wintering in Florida. John was happiest in the company of his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Besides visiting friends and family in Europe, he and Merrie Beth enjoyed traveling throughout the states and going on multiple mission trips to Guatemala.
Always willing to listen, very kind, generous, and compassionate, John drew people to him. Loving Jesus and studying the Bible, he was a man of strong faith and became a wise confidante for many. As a member of East Martin Christian Reformed Church, he served as an elder and taught adult Sunday school.
Also surviving are his children, Lane (Anna) Den Boer of Wayland, Stephen (Marisa) Den Boer of Grand Rapids, and Coralin (Rev. Nicholas) Davelaar of Fishers, Indiana; 11 grandchildren, Tessa, Sutton, and Everett Den Boer; Ethan and Lyla Den Boer; and Noah, Andrew, Millie, Sarah, Hannah, and Percy Davelaar; siblings, Evelyn (David) Jalbert and Larry (Joan) Den Boer, along with sister-in-law Cindy Tucker, and nieces and nephews, Haley, Heather, Lance, Chad, and Taylor.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Arnold “Arnie” Den Boer.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the East Martin Christian Reformed Church, where the funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 27, with Pastor Derek Noorman officiating.
Burial will follow at 2:30 PM at Robbins Cemetery in Yankee Springs Township with Pastor Jake Weeda officiating.
Contributions in memory of John may be made to East Martin Christian Reformed Church Benevolence Fund.
