Herman DeBoer

March 16, 1919 – March 3, 2014.

Monterey – Herman was born in Netherlands to Dirk and Hotsche “Henrietta” DeBoer. At age six he immigrated with his family to New Jersey where they made their new home. He enlisted in the US Navy at age 18, and this was the beginning of his love of the sea. He served 22 years, ending his military career as Chief Petty Officer at the Naval Air Facility in Monterey. He served on destroyers and a hospital ship in World War II. Many people refer to Herman’s generation as “The Greatest Generation.” Although he never used that term, he was one of the ordinary Americans who responded when the government asked them for extraordinary service, sacrifice and heroics. Like so many others, Herman did not talk much about his war experiences, but that service shaped his life and he always thought of himself as first and foremost a proud member of the US Navy.

He was hired by the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Transportation Department in 1959 and continued there for 24 years, rising to the position of Director of Transportation. After retiring from the school district, he worked part-time for Hertz for more than ten years.

Herman was married to his beloved wife, Jewel for 42 years until her death in 1989. They had three children, Joan, Richard and Marilyn. He had a deep love for his family and delighted in the accomplishments of his children and his granddaughters.

He was an avid traveler and took several trips around the world as a passenger on working freighters. He loved to be at sea and especially enjoyed the times when the ships’ captains would invite him to spend time with them on the bridge.

He loved jazz and attended the Monterey Jazz Festival for 44 years. He was an enthusiastic cyclist and continued to ride well into his 70’s.

Herman is survived by his daughters, Joan Smith (Sidney) and Marilyn Dobbs (Michael), granddaughters, Amber Kelly, Jennifer and Valerie Smith and his nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jewel, his son, Richard DeBoer, his sister, Jeanne Ribbe, and his granddaughter Amanda Kelly Bujol.

Herman attended First Presbyterian Church in Monterey. He was a York Rite Mason and Master Mason of Pacific Grove Lodge #331, a Member of Cryptic Masons of California, Santa Cruz Council No. 17, Knights Templar of California, Watsonville Commandery No. 22, Shriners International. Asiya Shriners and Monterey Amigos.

Memorial contributions are suggested to

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., 1033 Long Prairie Road, Suite 5, Flower Mound, TX 75022 or First Presbyterian Church Deacons Fund, 501 El Dorado, Monterey, CA 93940