Garrett Boekeloo

BOEKELOO, Garrett
of Kalamazoo Passed away August 21, 2011 in Kalamazoo. He was born April 6, 1926 in Kalamazoo to the late Klaus and Fannie VanDyke Boekeloo. He was united in marriage to Gezella Arens on December 12, 1946. He served in the U.S. Army from September of 1944 until being honorably discharged in June of 1946. Garrett was a POW for a part of his time that he served. Garrett worked for the Upjohn Corporation for over 38 years before retiring in 1986, where he was also a recipient of The Upjohn Award. He also served the Westwood Fire department for many years. He was a member of Texas Corners Bible Church. Surviving Garrett are his wife, Gezella Boekeloo; children, Lorraine Paul Witteveen and Larry A. Donna Boekeloo both of Kalamazoo; 5 grandchildren, Michael Jennifer Witteveen, Mark Crystal Witteveen, Carrie Steve Rynberk, Laurie Boekeloo and Julie fiancé, Dan VanderRoest Boekeloo; 6 great grandchildren, Isabelle, Amelia, Garrett and Ava Witteveen and James and Emily Rynberk; sister, Grace Uko Mejeur; and several nieces and nephews. Also preceding him in death were brother, Martin Geraldine Boekeloo; and sister, Ann Harm Dykehouse. A memorial service will take place Thursday, 12:00 at Texas Corners Bible Church with Pastor David Thompson, officiating. Family will greet friends on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. A private interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be directed to the building fund at Texas Corners Bible Church or to Rose Arbor Hospice. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508