Bert Edward Boerema

Bert Edward Boerema passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024 into the presence of his Lord and Savior. He was 85 years old. Bert graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and Calvin University. He also studied at Hope College, Central Michigan University, and Duke University. He taught school in Lake Worth, FL, Lowell, Comstock Park, and 25 years at Forest Hills Central High School, retiring in 1994. Bert was a self-taught accomplished watercolor artist, who taught painting classes at various locations for many years. His students praised him continually. He also had a great love for his several musical instruments. Bert enjoyed spending time at the family cottage. He and Mary did a lot of traveling to many countries with close friends. Bert is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Boerema (Vanden Berge); children: Laura and Bob Schuurman, Lisa and Scott Crystal, Brent and Katherine Boerema; 7 grandchildren: Alyssa (Sergio), Jacob (Erica), Colin (Allison), Lauren, Hunter, Jaime and Carly; 3 great granddaughters: Lily, Annabella and Kennedy; sisters: Coral Rhoda, Trudy and Dave Fetters, Chris and Bob Brown; Flossy and Bruce Bode; sister-in-law, Joyce Wolbrink; brothers and sisters-in-law: Phil and Mary Vanden Berge, Ron and Helen Beuker; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Gertrude Boerema; brother, Charles Boerema, Jr. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Princeton Christian Reformed Church, 5330 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Steve Hull officiating. Burial will be held at Blain Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at MKD Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave., SE, Kentwood and also Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice (https://faithhospicecare.org/donate/) or Princeton Christian Reformed Church. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Faith Hospice-Trillium Woods for their loving care for Bert.