Evelyn D. Boer Block passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 4, 2012. She was the best mother she could be, an awesome grandmother, and a generous, fun friend.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta Canada on February 1, 1930, Evelyn was the ninth child of Johannes and Hendrika (Gelderman) Boer. She was predeceased by four sisters; Grace, Bertha, Johanna and Jennie, two brothers, Jack and George; and her husband, Ronald Block. Survivors include her children Katherine (Nancy Steltmann) Block, Ron (Rochelle) Block, and Elizabeth (Lee) Hovey; grandchildren Foster and Todd Hovey; best friend Dodi Frost; her siblings Rika Prins, John (Coba) Boer, and Ken Boer; several in-laws and many nieces and nephews. Evelyn studied piano at the University of Alberta before coming to Grand Rapids to finish her education at Calvin College. She made sure all her children had music lessons, as her mother had before her. She was a Christian all her life, and never faltered in her faith. Mrs. Block taught kindergarten and pre-first for the GRPS for 28-1/2 years. She brought a joy of learning to many little people who loved her, and remained a little-kid magnet all of her life. Evelyn and Ron travelled extensively in their later years, including trips to England, the Netherlands, river cruises, ocean cruises north and south, winters in Florida, and many trips to Western Canada. Many thanks to Evelyn’s caregivers at the Lendick Unit of Fulton Manor for helping Evie and her family negotiate her final years. Contributions in Evelyn’s name to Blue Lake Public Radio (300 East Crystal Lake Rd., Twin Lake, MI 49457)or Leader Dogs for the Blind (1039 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48307 or Paws with a Cause (4646 S. Division Wayland, Michigan 49348 ) would honor her memory. The funeral service has already taken place at Vergennes United Methodist Church in Lowell. Rev. Matt Stoll officiating, and music provided, at Evelyn’s request, by Nancy Steltmann.
