Kenneth DeBoer Sr.

Kenneth J. DeBoer, Sr. was born April 25, 1926 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Bert and Florence (Idsinga) DeBoer. He joined his Lord on December 9, 2020 at the age of 94. 

Growing up in Grand Rapids during the depression, Ken graduated from South H.S. in January, 1944. Joining the Navy at age 17, he served during WW II in the South Pacific aboard USS LCS L3 #76, a landing craft support vessel, until his honorable discharge in March,1946. Returning to Michigan, he began a 37-year career with Michigan Bell Telephone, retiring as a District Manager in 1983. In June,1947 he married his high school sweetheart Gloria Iacovoni, and over the next 27 years they raised 6 children. 

Ken was a man of many interests. He was a member of the American Legion, volunteered at the Gerontology Network in Grand Rapids, and worked at the Hope Network as a bus driver. He volunteered at his church, enjoyed camping with family and friends, restored a 1951 Chevrolet pickup, built and flew radio-controlled airplanes and built a model train complete with a small community. He loved playing golf with his pals and his sons. Well respected in both his personal and professional lives, Ken leaves a legacy of Christian service, generosity and loyalty toward his family and friends. 

Ken married Patsy Gordon in 1978 and they were together 42 years until her passing in August, 2020. Surviving are Ken’s sons Stephen (Joy) DeBoer of East Lansing, MI, Kenneth, Jr. (Margaret) DeBoer of Granger, IN, Jed (Kathy) DeBoer of Buckeye, AZ, John Henry DeBoer of Ft. Myers Beach, FL, daughter Mary Koning (Ross) of Holland, MI, and son Burt DeBoer (Kim) of Allegan, MI. Also surviving are step-son Gary (Sue) McLenithan of Wyoming, MI, step-grandson Josh McLenithan of Wyoming, MI, a very special niece Robin Baker of Belding, MI, nephews James (Karen) Baker and Ron (Linda) Baker, all of Grand Rapids and Gary Baker of Oregon, as well as 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. 

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Margurite Hulsapple and Lois Baker, granddaughter Brandi DeBoer and nephew Larry Rodarmer. 

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service and burial will be held for family and friends in the future.