IN MEMORIAM: Rev. Edward Boer

Rev. Edward Boer, 93, an unassuming spiritual caregiver, a friend of young people, and a missionary at heart, died on March 24 from natural causes.

Boer was born in DeMotte, Ind., to a farmer’s family. Throughout his early life he needed to return to the farm and pitch in. He attended DeMotte Elementary and High School, during which the desire to study for the gospel ministry grew stronger. This was not an easy course. He knew times of painful doubts about his personal salvation until he came to a place of depending solely on God’s loving grace. The Lord molded his early painful shyness into a quality of approachability.

Boer studied at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary, graduating in l945.

The day after Boer passed his classical exam he married Connie. Together they served the following Christian Reformed congregations: Parchment CRC, Kalamazoo, Mich.; Lamont CRC, Coopersville, Mich.; Brookfield (Wisc.) CRC; North Haledon (N.J.) CRC; Green Ridge (Mich.) CRC; and Living Hope Christian Fellowship, Brigham City, Utah. Boer retired in 1985.

Following his retirement he served as a volunteer chaplain for Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville, Wash. At age 91, he retired from the chaplaincy because of fragile health. Patients and staff honored his service of 20 years by adding his name to the Tree of Life in the hospital lobby.

The strength of Boer’s ministry lay in his deep love and concern for people. For him, visiting people was a delightful privilege. Younger colleagues found in him an ever-encouraging mentor. He cared lovingly for his wife after her early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, a ministry that was an inspiration to many.

Boer is survived by his children David and Nona Boer, Steve Boer, James and Melinda Boer, Laurel (Boer) and Dave Vander Meulen, and Mark Boer; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.