Johan William DeBoer age 76, formerly of Alpena, passed away Friday, February 10, 2012 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. He was born May 24, 1935 in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the son of John & Johanna (Bosman) DeBoer. Johan is survived by his daughters Julie Jones of Milton, Vermont and Laura Factor of North Kingstown, Rhode Island; son John DeBoer of San Antonio, Texas; brother Harm DeBoer of Fairbanks, Alaska; sister Fenna DeBoer of Worthington, Minnesota and by his long time companion Ruth Tyler of Alpena. He was preceded in death by his parents John & Johanna. Johan was a retired veteran of the US Navy serving 20 years, earning numerous medals, including the Vietnam Medal of Honor for his heroic efforts of allied plane in the jungle and was awarded 3 Purple Hearts. Full Military Services will be 10 AM Saturday, July 14, 2012 at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island.

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  • Nancy &Ed Derby(Sunday, February 12 12 05:04 pm EST)

    Our deepest sympathies to all the DeBoers from Ed & Nancy Derby & Nancy's Mom, Syvilla Fry. Nancy lost her Dad (and Syvilla her husband, Conrad) on 2/16/1998 -- February celebrates Love on 2/14 -- continue to celebrate Love,even if you are feeling loss. Prayers to you & yours.

  • Danny, Kim &Justin Slater(Tuesday, February 14 12 09:36 am EST)

    Danny, Kim & Justin Slater, Our sympahties to all of the DeBoer family. Joe has been a part of our family for a long time,he will be sorely missed. Many at our church send along their condolences as he loved coming there.

  • Rae Lynn Somers(Tuesday, February 14 12 10:22 am EST)

    We will forever love and miss you poppa Joe

  • Fred & Judy Edmonds(Tuesday, February 14 12 05:30 pm EST)

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Johan. He was a special part of my life for many years while he was in Alpena, MI. He is missed by many friends here. May all of the family and Johan realize deserved peace.

  • Army-Baylor Class of 2013(Wednesday, February 15 12 10:31 am EST)

    From John's Army-Baylor Class-
    We are all honored to be able to remember such a hero of our country. Thoughts and prayers to each member of your family, especially John, as we are sure Mr. DeBoer will be missed by many.

  • Greg and Paula Miller and family(Thursday, February 16 12 06:39 pm EST)

    He was a special part of our family and will be missed by all most of all by my grandson moxx he loves his grandpa joe

  • Bob Gliwa(Friday, February 17 12 06:06 am EST)

    It was an honor and privilege to meet and know "Joe": Commander. My condolences to the DeBoer and Tyler families. May Joe now know the peace and love of the Eternal Father.

  • Glenn and Rita Male(Sunday, February 19 12 05:24 pm EST)

    To the Deboer Family and Ruth we are so sorry to hear of your loss ... We enjoyed Joe and Ruth as our neighbors.. Our thoughts are with you at this time .

  • m de boer - de boer(Wednesday, March 07 12 03:58 pm EST)

    It was a surprise to see this page. Mij mother was a sister of John's mother. We had no contact anymore for years.

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