Bonnie Boerman went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 7, 2024, at age 77. She was born in Zeeland on August 21, 1946, to Cornelius and Lucille Blankestyn. She will be dearly missed by her husband of 58 years, Allen; her daughter Barb and son-in-law Adam Richter; son Bill and daughter-in-law Liz Boerman; and granddaughters Erika and Adison Richter and Fiona, Keeley, and Pippa Boerman; her brother Jerry and sister-in-law Mary Blankestyn; her sister Pat Blankestyn; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Cornelius, and mother, Lucille.
Bonnie grew up on her parents’ flower farm west of Zeeland. Working for her grandmother and parents she developed a strong work ethic and love of flowers. If something was “worth doing; it was worth doing right.” She graduated from Zeeland High School and married Allen on June 4, 1965, at First Reformed Church in Zeeland where they have been lifelong active members.
Bonnie gave everything she had to those around her. From staying up late to help her children with their homework to caring for Allen in their later years, giving was a key element of who she was. She enjoyed knitting, cross stitching, and gardening. Her flowers were always beautiful, and she especially enjoyed the little “surprise” plants that came up in unexpected places.
Though she would never acknowledge it, she helped many people in so many ways, never drawing attention to herself, but always there to help.
She often offered a wise saying in the right place at the right time. To quote a saying that has been passed along the family through many generations, “We are too soon old, and too late wise.” Bonnie was too soon old and passed from this life too early; but she exhibited a prevailing wisdom throughout her life. By God’s grace, this wisdom will be passed on to her children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, February 12, 2024, at First Reformed Church of Zeeland, 125 E. Lincoln Ave., Zeeland MI 49464. Visiting hours will be 2-4 PM, Sunday, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Reformed Church-Attn. Kids Hope Fund.
www.yntemafh.com
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