William Jack Boelema

Our dearly beloved Bill Boelema entered into the Gates of Glory on Sunday, September 25, 2022. His beautiful mother, Naida Boelema, was waiting there to receive him. Naida had preceded her son’s entrance into Heaven by only three months, but she had waited her whole life to see him there. Bill loved and was deeply loved by his faithful father, Jack Boelema. With an unbreakable love, Jack guided Bill safely into the arms of Jesus on Sunday evening surrounded by his family. Bill was a graduate of Calvin Christian High School and Grand Valley State University. He also pursued his interest in biology at Michigan Technological University. He found solace in the forests and wetlands of Michigan. Their quiet places spoke sweetly to his soul. In the stillness of the forests he found peace, its tiny creatures were a delight to him and he knew all their names. Bill also enjoyed volunteering at the John Ball Zoo. The Boelema family wishes to express their deep thankfulness to Trinity Health Saint Mary’s Hospital for the outstanding care given to Bill. They hold the Lacks Cancer Center and Intensive Care Unit staff in highest regard for their excellent care for Bill and for them too. Bill is survived by and deeply loved by his father, Jack Boelema; siblings, Anne and Jim Brouwer, Ted and Betsy (Newhof) Boelema; niece, Adalynn Brouwer; nephews, Joe Brouwer, Sam Brouwer, and Jacob Brouwer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Naida (Staal) Boelema; grandparents, Ada (Bouwens) and Nelson Staal, Ted and Hilda (Karsies) Boelema. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Rev. Hank Vlaardingerbroek officiating. The burial will take place at Felch Street Cemetery in Zeeland. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 1:00-1:45 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the John Ball Zoo or the Lacks Cancer Center at Trinity Health St. Mary’s.