Phillip John Boekeloo

Phillip J Boekeloo of Lakeland, Florida, and formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, went to be with his Lord on Monday, September 11, 2023, after a brief illness. Phillip was born on January 27, 1932, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Elmer and Mary (Wells) Boekeloo. He resided there until his move to Lakeland, Florida, in 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother William Boekeloo, and sisters Leah (Boekeloo) Alfieri, and Jane (Boekeloo) Mohney. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served during the Korean War. He worked for over 30 years for the Consumers Power Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan, retiring in 1992.

He married the love of his life, Charlene Pool, on February 18, 1956, with whom he had three children, David (wife, Linda), Jeffrey, and Lisa (husband, Jeff Smith). He also has three grandchildren (Kara Glassen, Matthew Smith, and Lauren Boekeloo) and one great-grandchild (Sutton Smith).

He was a member of various Free Methodist Churches for over 60 years, first in Kalamazoo and Portage, Michigan, and later in Lakeland, Florida. He enjoyed many camping vacations with his family, was an avid league bowler for many years, and attended or watched games featuring the Detroit Tigers and the University of Michigan Wolverines.

A Celebration of Life is tentatively scheduled at the Lakeland Light and Life Free Methodist Church on November 2nd at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Light and Life Free Methodist Church in Lakeland or the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association.

A visitation for Phillip will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Wells Memorial and Event Center, 1903 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, FL 33563.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WellsMemorial.com for the Boekeloo family.