Peter Boomgaard

Peter Boomgaard age 87 of Palm Harbor, Fl, formerly of Spring Lake, MI, passed away Saturday, April 29,2017. Peter was born September 13, 1929 to James and Catherine (Smith) Boomgaard in Spring Lake. He married Arla Walsh on February 23, 1952 in Spring Lake. She preceded him in death in 1982. He then married Helen Galat Walsh on January 8, 1983 in Grand Haven. Peter was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he and Helen served on the church funeral luncheon committee. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and former member of the Elks Club. Peter worked as a research and development engineer at Atcoflex for 30 years. He also worked at B & B Engineering, Keller Tool, as well as Miller-Smith. His hobbies included water color painting, stained glass, pottery, and ceramics. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Peter will be lovingly remembered by his wife Helen; daughters, Nancy (Armand) Sherman of Spring Lake, Lynda (Chad) Edson of Holland; son Peter (Julie) Boomgaard Jr. of Grand Junction, CO; step-sons Lt. Col (R) Guy (Karen) Walsh of Palm Harbor, FL, Curt Walsh of Manton, MI, Rick Walsh of Manton, MI, Scott Walsh of New Port Richey, FL; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Mildred Debroux of Milwaukee, WI, Catherine Newell of Spring Lake, Helen Ball of Spring Lake; brothers, Phillip Boomgaard of Palm Desert, CA, William (Sharon) Boomgaard of Grand Haven, Joseph (Bette) Boomgaard of Grand Haven. He was preceded in death by his brothers Robert and James Boomgaard. The Mass of Christian Burial for Peter will be 11:00 am Friday, July 14, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Tony Vainavicz and Fr. Ken Schichtel officiating. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, St. Mary’s Education Center, or the Suncoast Hospice Care Center of Palm Harbor, FL. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Peter’s online guest book.