GERALD BOEVERS

Dear Jessica and David,
I'm so sorry to hear that your dad is gone. I knew him at Niles West as a teacher. I worked with him as a colleague. We were all friends working at AppleTree. I still have the plexiglass desk organizer that he made for me.He touched so many lives. He made a difference. He will be missed.

I learned of "Mr. Boevers" death just now and want to share my condolences with you, his family. He was my history teacher way back in the early '60s and he instilled in me - and so many of us - a love of American history that remains today. But more than that, I so clearly remember his laugh and smile, his intensity, his own love of his subject and his sincere desire to help each of us as we needed it. He gave me confidence and support when I needed it most and I will always be grateful....

I was so sorry to learn of Jerry's death; I treasure memories of our friendship. His quiet integrity during some very anxious moments at Niles West served as a model for his many friends. We taught many of the same students, he in American History and I in American Literture. He was a very respected teacher and respectable man.

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I taught with Jerry for many years at Niles West starting in 1969. He was one of the best we had at Niles West. He will be missed but always remembered.

Dear David and Jessica,

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad's death. I am a cousin from your Mom's side. When I was a kid your parents were very kind to me. Your Dad shared many of his books with me, that opened my mind. He always seemed larger than life to me. I know he will be missed by everyone he touched. What a great guy.

Boevers Family,
Mr. Boevers mentored me at ISU and I have always thought about his words of wisdom to me in the profession of teaching. He was one of one of my best mentors and fondest memories in learning the profession. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,

Keith Healy

Dear David and Marisa, Jessica and Matt:

There aren't words to say how sad I am for you. I hope you are all a comfort to each other, and I hope that soon all of the memories of your dad will bring more joy than grief. I really got a kick out of your dad, the few times I spent time with him. He was smart, and he was funny, and he was so proud of being your dad.

Thinking of you and praying for you too.

Love
Peg.

Dear Jessica and David,

Your dad was my student senate advisor at Niles West from 1983-85. He had a great influence on me and his other students. Over the years we would run into him at Gillson Park, or Apple Tree or even the grocery store. He always said it like it was. In my Senior yearbook, they somehow forgot to print his picture in the pic's of the staff, so he taped a picture of himself into my yearbook, with a very kind note. Your dad was a great man that will be missed...

I was a colleague of Jerry's at Niles West. During his last several years at West, he used to come to our office (nurses') for a 40 minute nap. We had an "honorary Jerry cot" reserved for him!
I will miss him!