WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Celia DeBoer, age 94, of Three Rivers, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023.
Celia was born in Chicago on September 26, 1929, the daughter of the late Theodore and Annette (Doezema) Boomker. She was raised in Chicago, but spent her summer months at the Doezema Family Cottage on Fisher Lake and eventually moved her family to the Three Rivers area.
On August 21, 1953, she married James DeBoer, who preceded her in death in 1999. Celia was also preceded in death by her son, Andrew DeBoer; son-in-law, Al DeJong; daughter-in-law, Sherrie DeBoer; infant grandson, James Carl DeBoer and her sister, Joan Swierenga.
She is survived by her children, Annette DeJong, Theodore DeBoer, Frederick DeBoer and William (Rebecca) DeBoer; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Theodore (Ruth) Boomker and brother-in-law, Robert P. (Diane) Swierenga.
Celia was a devoted mother and enjoyed spending time with her family. She was very proud of her nursing degree and loved to knit. She worked alongside her husband, Jim, for many years at DeBoer Materials, also known as “the Pit.” One of Celia’s greatest joys in life was restoring and maintaining the Hoffman House on the corner of Hoffman St. and Portage Ave. that she and Jim purchased in 1972.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers, 320 North Main St. Private interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.
Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.
