Raymond John DeBoer, 88, peacefully passed away on August 29, 2025. Born on September 24, 1936, in Grand Rapids Michigan, Ray graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central. It was there he met his wife of 66 years, Maureen.
Ray is survived by his wife Maureen, son Scott (Patti) DeBoer, grandchildren: Stacie (Zach) Erickson, Keegan (Kaitlin) DeBoer, Tricia (Josh) Billiau, and great grandchildren: Eila, Brynley, Brogan, Brodie, Lochlan, Ainsley, Coira. He is also survived by his sister Mary (Joe) Pulawski, sister-in- law Alice DeBoer and many nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Elizabeth DeBoer and his brothers, William, Thomas, and Gerald.
After serving his country in the US Army, Ray entered and retired from the Sheet Metal Industry with Glendon A. Richards of Grand Rapids.
Ray had a passion and talent for woodworking. He enjoyed giving many of his wonderful wood creations to others as gifts. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and following his Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. Ray (a neighborhood handyman!) was known to help others “Fix Things” when needed.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday September 18, 2025 at 11:00 am at St Jude Catholic Church 1120 4 Mile Rd NE in Grand Rapids, Michigan where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Following mass, a luncheon will be held at St Jude in the Brophy Room.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Emmanuel Hospice.
