Ronald J Boomstra

Ronald J Boomstra obituary, Jackson, MI

Ronald J Boomstra

Ronald Boomstra Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Watson Funeral Chapel - Jackson on Feb. 28, 2025.

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Ron Boomstra was called to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 27, 2025 at the age of 83, while surrounded by family, after a short health battle. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Neil and Agnes Boomstra. He graduated from Calvin College and later received his Masters Degree in Business from the University of Missouri. He also graduated with highest honors from the Air Force Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, TX; spent 4 years as a Communications Officer at FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY; graduated at the top of his class at the Language Institute at Presidio of Monterey, CA; served 3 years with the Inter-American Air Forces Academy at Albrook AFB in Panama, training international officers; and commanded a Missile Combat Crew for 6 years in an underground Minuteman Missile Launch capsule at Whiteman AFB in MO, winning awards for Best Crew Commander. Ron then transitioned to civilian employment as a Systems Analyst at Consumers Energy in Jackson, MI, also joining the Air National Guard. He retired from the Guard and Consumers in the early 2000s.
Ron was a member of Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and men's quartet for many years, helped at the church missions garage sales, and worked on many projects with the Men of Action Group, including building wheelchair ramps and helping people relocate. He also volunteered for Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan's Purse, and the VITA Program, preparing taxes through Community Action. Ron served in Guatemala with HELPS International on 25 medical mission trips, assisting his lifelong friend Dr. Art Wierenga with eye surgeries and interpreting between Spanish and English. He was an avid woodworker, hunter, gardener and puzzle-solver.
He will be greatly missed by his family: Pam, his loving wife of 58 years, children Becky (Bob) Georgeff, Andy (Susan) Boomstra, Anita (Dan) Baergen, Kimberly (Lee) Vroman and Anna; grandchildren Hannah, Peter (Alisa), Peter (Joslyn), Katrina, Jesse (Megan), Andy, Jared, Heidi, Joshua, and Clara; great-grandchildren, Zeke, Jack, Sophie, and Lydia; his three brothers Jerry (Millie), Dan and Tim (Barb) Boomstra; and special friends, Wayne and Dottie Miller.
Donations in Ron's memory may be made to BibleLeague.org or to the local HELPS team for medical supplies.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, at 10:00am at Watson Funeral Chapel in Jackson, MI, followed by a Celebration of Homegoing at 11:00am. Friends and family are invited to Fort Custer National Cemetery near Battle Creek at 2:00 pm for interment with full Air Force honors.
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March 5, 2025

MaryAnn Parks posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2025

Karen Hamelink posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2025

Bill Beiswenger posted to the memorial.

MaryAnn Parks

March 5, 2025

My love and sympathy to you and your family.
Garner & Mary Ann Parks

Karen Hamelink

March 5, 2025

please accept my sincere sympathy for your brother, Tim and Barb. He sounds like a great all around guy who any one would like as a brother or friend, and loved the Lord as well. Karen Hamelink

Bill Beiswenger

March 5, 2025

I feel so blessed to have known Ron. My wife,Kathi and I both travelled with him on many Guatemala mission trips with Helps International. It was a pleasure to watch Ron and Dr. Art Wierenga seamlessly work together with Ron helping with translation with the locals who sought help with their eye problems. God bless Ron for all the work he did with those in need.

Jim Benedict

March 3, 2025

Ron helped me in learning to be a volunteer tax preparer 13 years ago and worked with me for all those subsequent years. His commitment to community service was beyond exceptional and I was privileged to call him both a mentor and friend.

Barry VanderVeen

March 3, 2025

My condolences to Ron's family. I had the pleasure of working with Ron on multiple projects at Consumers.
He was a great guy and a good mentor,
always willing to share his wealth of knowledge.
He was very humble as he never spoke of his numerous military achievements (which are impressive). He'd say he was a cook at National Guard on weekends...he was funny that way.
My thoughts and prayers are with Pam and the family.

He'll surely be missed by all - RIP Boomer

Ron Kerver

March 3, 2025

Ron "Boomer" was one of the most brilliant, kind, behind-the-scenes but understated heroes at Consumers Energy. For all the successful projects I worked on with Ron, he could make anything happen with his program wizardry. I recall many meetings where Ron would push back on our crazy ideas for the customer interface, but in the end he could always pull it off. I am impressed but not surprised at his service record. As our friend Camie puts it, he was one of the good ones. I loved his comment ... "I´m just one bad day from retirement!" He was a great friend and I am confident he is staring at the face of God, walking the streets of gold, and probably helping StPeter with the new software installation in Heaven. I will miss you dearly my friend.

Glady Wierenga

March 2, 2025

I want to express my sympathy in the loss of Ron (or Boomy). I am Art Wierenga`s sister. Ron would stop at the house when we were at the farm on Thanksgiving Day. He would report where he was planning to go deer hunting. I always remember one deer blind was the "purple palace." It was called that because it had been painted with a mixture of leftover paint that turned out to be a shade of purple. It was so special how many times Ron went on medical mission trips to help with Spanish translation for Dr. Art.
Glady Wierenga

Sharon Wiel

March 2, 2025

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with with Ron early on at my career with Comsumers Energy. My sincere condolences to Ron´s family. May happy memories lift your spirits soon.

mary abbott

March 2, 2025

Ron was a wonderful person. He introduced me to volunteering through HELPS. Best wishes to his family.

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Watson Funeral Chapel - Jackson

2590 Spring Arbor Rd, Jackson, MI 49203

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March 5, 2025

MaryAnn Parks posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2025

Karen Hamelink posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2025

Bill Beiswenger posted to the memorial.