Mr. Robert Boelens, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, age 92, of Grand Rapids, went to join his Savior, Jesus Christ, and previously deceased wife of 67 years, Marion, on Thursday, November 30, 2017. He was born February 9, 1925.
Bob was the Mayor of Grand Rapids from 1970-1971, prior to that worked in the City Building and Inspections Department, served in WWII as a Marine (Bulldog Bob), owned The Red Barn sporting goods store and was known to cherished friends as S.O.B. or Sweet Old Bob.
Surviving are his children Sheryl Boelens, Robert and Pam Boelens, Tim and Sherry Boelens, Denny and Julie Boelens, and Suzanne Jewell; also 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
A celebration of Bob’s amazing life was held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church, 2740 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, with Pastor Kevin Sullivan officiating.
Visitation was held on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 2-4pm and Monday, December 4, 2017 from 6-8pm at the Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N Monroe St. NE, Rockford, MI 49341. There was a visitation time one hour prior to the service at church.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, P.O. Box 385, Mecosta, MI 49332 or www.midmichiganhonorflight.com