Jack Boelema

Our strong and beautiful father, Jack Boelema, finished life’s race well, and entered into the presence of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ on Monday, October 23, 2023. He was 85 years old. Jack was a man of uncommon courage and wisdom. He was gifted with a sweet spirit and eternal optimism. His love for God made life’s yokes easy and its burdens light. No task was too low to take on, and no achievement too high that it couldn’t be accomplished. With love, all things were possible for our beautiful father.

Jack was devoted to his wife, Naida, and tenderly cared for her every need for over 60 years. He was an excellent father to his three children: Anne, Ted, and Bill. His sweet strength and good cheer will be greatly missed here on earth. But his presence will be welcome in Eternity, where Naida and Bill were already waiting to receive him. They had preceded his entrance into Heaven just one year before.

Jack will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his children, Anne and Jim Brouwer, Ted and Betsy Boelema; grandchildren, Adalynn, Samuel, Joseph, and Jacob Brouwer; sister-in-law, Sharon Staal; and his nieces and nephews, Shelly Brinks, Scott Staal, Matt Staal, John David Staal, and Keith Staal. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Naida (Staal) Boelema; his son, William J. Boelema; parents, Theodore and Hilda (Karsies) Boelema; brother, Theodore Boelema; and sisters, Marian Daining and Elene DeVoogd.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at 11 a.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 on Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Family Promise of West Michigan - Partners in Housing.