Jerry W. Boomer, 82, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday May 7, 2023 with his family close by.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service immediately following at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Rev. Glen Head will be officiating. Memorial donations in Jerry’s name may be made to St. Joseph First United Methodist Church or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Jerry’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Jerry was born Jan. 1, 1941 in Adrian, Michigan to Lawrence & Eva (Greening) Boomer. His family moved to Watervliet after leaving the House of David. Jerry attended Watervliet High School while working at the Watervliet Paper Mill.
In 1960, Jerry began his career with Dave’s Tree Service. He soon became co-owner and took pride in being a highly qualified expert in tree service in trimming, certified and licensed in spraying, feeding, and storm services. Jerry’s real passion for the tree business was disease diagnosis, treatment, and care. He studied many hours to achieve a certificate in becoming a certified Arborist. He worked closely with the Michigan State Agricultural and Natural Resources to identify and trouble shoot new and existing diseases and pests affecting our area’s landscape. Since the early 60s, his company was the first to introduce vehicle advertising, certified and insured licensed spray services, as well as becoming members of the National Arborist Association and American Forestry Association.
Jerry was always community minded, hosting the Blossomtime Queens Breakfast for many years and giving free services to community churches and people in need. He had a strong work ethic and compassionate heart. Jerry welcomed all children into his home and would provide shelter and food to anyone in need. He was best known for his amazing grilled pork chops and sloppy joes; but more than that, every child that entered his home was welcomed and loved. Jerry’s generosity knew no boundaries and was often known to give financial assistance to those in need. His family will forever have a fondness for kidney beans. His greatest love was his wife, children and his grandchildren, but he gave generously to all. He lived selflessly and will be remembered for his humanity and generosity.
Jerry was a member of St. Joseph First United Methodist Church, National Arborist Association, and American Forestry Association. He was a lifetime member of the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Elks Lodge #541 where he held several offices over the years. As a child, Jerry aspired to be a boxer and loved to play baseball. Jerry realized his dream when he was awarded the Golden Gloves Champion award. He was an avid Michigan State fan, loved the Chicago Bears, and driving his red pickup truck through his favorite places such as McDonalds for his “egg burgers” in the morning.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Sandra (Faultersack) Boomer, of 38 years. His wish was that he could have only found her sooner in life. His children, David (Laura) Boomer of Eaton Rapids, MI, Casey (Brian) Wadsworth of Hartford, Julie (Bob) Mangold of Boynton Beach, FL, Jeri Anne Randall of Stevensville, Renee (Jeff) Borah, Jean (Mike) Johnson, and John Charles (Bree) Boomer all of St. Joseph, and Mikki (Kris) Davis of Berrien Springs; numerous grand & great-grandchildren; siblings Deloris Pumfrey of Benton Harbor and Charles Boomer of Coloma; numerous nieces & nephews; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law Steve Faultersack of San Antonio, TX, Sue (Chicky) Batista of Peoria, AZ, & Hildy Faultersack of Las Vegas, NV & special sister-in-law Leora Anderson of St. Joseph.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Eva Boomer, his grandson, Vance Boomer Racine, his sister, Doris Carter, his brother, Lavier Boomer, nephews Jerry and James Carter, his brother-in-law Larry Pumfrey and his sister-in-law Christine Boomer.