Bert A. Boersma

Bert A. Boersma, age 100, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, surrounded by family. His Christian faith and servant heart were clear to all who knew him. Bert had an abundance of friends and family who loved, respected, and looked up to him as a role model.

Bert will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children, Sheri (Phil) Boogaart and Joan (Phil) Haan; his grandchildren, Michele (Joe) Pajak, Melissa (Ryan) Bayne, Leah (Chris) Paulick, Eli Haan and Jake Boogaart; great-grandchildren, Ruby and James Bayne, Willa Pajak, and Nicholas, Mason, and Aurora Paulick; sisters and brother, Bertha Steensma, Grace Harper, Ben (Cleo) Boersma and Anne (Ron) Ezinga.; sisters-in-law, Ann Boersma and Barb Boersma; and many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Marge (Dieterman) Boersma; siblings, Bill (Dot) (Kay) Boersma, Eleanor (Jack) Elenbaas, Henry (Loeke) Boersma, Ralph Boersma, Harry (Helen) Boersma, Mart Boersma; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Len Steensma, Dave Harper, Gerald (Lois) Dieterman, and Shirley (John) (Gord) Leetsma Gillisse.

Bert was born February 9,1924, the third child of eleven siblings to Martina (Scans) and Marcus Boersma. He grew up on a family farm in Moline, MI and at the age of 14 moved to Grand Rapids, MI. In 1942, after graduating high school he was drafted into the U. S. Army and eventually fought in New Guinea, Morotai, and Luzon earning two bronze medals for bravery. He ended his tour as Sergeant First Class, part of the occupation force in Japan. When recently asked to recount his war experiences he replied, “You don’t want to go into battle at all. One battle is bad enough.”

Upon discharge, he attended Calvin College. For over twenty years, Bert operated and owned Burton Auto Sales where some of his nephews valued part-time employment. In retirement, he and Marge enjoyed traveling with family and friends. He regularly enjoyed coffee or a meal with his golf buddies, Boersma siblings or many others at his favorite local restaurant, Russ’.

In 1950, Bert and Marge moved to Lancashire SE, a home he built with his brothers and his place of residence for 72 years. He developed lasting friendships with neighbors young and old. Daffodils and vegetable gardening were just two of his specialties. Golf and hunting were his lifelong passions, hunting until he was 97, golfing until he was 98. If you were lucky, he invited you to his house for home-cooked venison crockpot stew.

Bert was a Charter and lifelong active member of Brookside Christian Reformed Church where he served as elder and deacon. His on-going witness, welcome, and service to those in need leaves a legacy.

We are grateful for the love, friendship, and spiritual support of Phyllis Moes; the pastoral care and leadership of Reverend Paul DeVries. We want to thank DMarie Strain and all the wonderful staff at Raybrook Manor for the love and care he received. He made many new friendships with residents and staff who found joy in his smiles, kindness, and encouragement.

The Memorial Service will be at Brookside Christian Reformed Church, (3600 Kalamazoo Ave SE) on Saturday, March 30, 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions are suggested to Brookside Christian Reformed Church or to the Marcus and Martina Boersma Memorial Scholarship Fund at Kuyper College.