Willard L. Nieboer
April 14, 1937 – September 5, 2020
In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, a private funeral service will take place at Heritage Christian Reformed Church. Burial with full military honors will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Christian School Association-Booster Club or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.
Obituary
Age 83, Willard went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 5, 2020. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on April 14, 1937, the son of the late Jacob and Grace (VanDenBerg) Nieboer. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Shields. Willard enjoyed a life-long career in sales, working as an executive for Bouldin & Lawson and as owner of Will Nieboer Sales. He also enjoyed working at The Growing Place Greenhouse in his retirement. He loved to fish and spend time with his family. Willard was a charter member of Heritage Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an elder. He was also a former member and elder of Gun Lake Community Church and First Christian Reformed Church. On February 6, 1959, he was united in marriage to Gertrude J. VanderHorst, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Ken (Joan) Nieboer, Tim (Jodi) Nieboer, Char (Len) VandenBos, Bill Nieboer and Cindy (Tim) Eisel; grandchildren, Alicia (Craig Hoffman) Nieboer, Andrew (Anna) Nieboer, Jessica (Brett) Riggs, Tim (Kaylie) Nieboer, Dave (Tara) Nieboer, Jon (Hannah) Nieboer, Joe (Jordan) VandenBos, Whitney VandenBos, Lindsey (Caleb) Wells, Tom (Allison) Nieboer, Michelle (Scott) Timmerman, Justin Eisel, Elisabeth Eisel and Aaron Eisel; fourteen great-grandchildren, with one on the way; siblings, Donna Johncock, Nick (Ann) Nieboer, Phil (Barb) Nieboer, Mary (Bill) Greenfield and Howard (Deb) Nieboer and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Will was preceded in death by his brothers, Jackie Nieboer and Harold (Fran) Nieboer; sisters, Marguerite (Cal) Miersma and Esther (Walt) Ring; and brother in-law, Norm Johncock.
Gert and family, you have our sympathy. Will was a good friend starting in high school tell now. He was in my wedding. We will miss him but he is now with the Lord. Bill and Joyce Vandermay
We are heartbroken at the loss of Will. Some of our fondest memories are of our time spent at Gun Lake. We consider it an honor to have known Will. Our prayers will be for Gert and the Niebor family. May God grant you peace during this difficult time. Jeff, Colleen, Samantha and Jessica Gaston.
So very sorry for your loss! May the Lord be your comfort. Love all you Eisel’s, Ingrid and Greg Morris
We are heart broken. The very best to Gert and Family. What a special Friend and Neighbor.
Dear Cindy and Family, We are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our hearts are heavy for you. We pray you find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories and joyous moments you shared with this special man who touched all of your lives in so many amazing ways. The milestones you met will forever be etched into your hearts and you will hold them near and dear to you for the rest of your lives. Blessings of peace and serenity to you all. ~ Your Columbus Danbury Family ~
Gert an Family we express our Sympathy to you. You all have been such good friends. So sorry to hear this.
Dearest Cindy and family, Praying for strength and Peace for you and all your family, special hugs to you and your mother. Sidney and Bob
I am very sorry to hear about the passing away of Will. He and his dear family have always welcomed me as a teenager (as Ken’s sport, school and Calvinist Cadet friend) and my family after I left the USA. Thank you for the love and many fine visits. I am thankful and proud of having known him. Much love from the Netherlands to Gert and the great family he leaves behind in grief and loving remembrance. We are with you in thoughts and prayers
Dear Sweet Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill and family, We just learned of your brother’s passing and wanted to give you a huge hug and our sympathies! Please know that we hold you close in our thoughts and prayers. We’re so thankful for the hope we have in Christ that this life is not the end and we will see each other again. Hugs, Phil and Sandy
Dear Gert: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. What a beautiful life you and Willard have shared together! Hugs, your neighbors