Sidney Deboer

Sidney V. DeBoer, age 98, of Battle Creek, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2014. He was born May 31, 1916 in Kalamazoo, Michigan the son of Samuel Bokke and Hazel May (Howe) DeBoer. Mr. DeBoer attended Kalamazoo Public Schools, graduating June 1935 from Kalamazoo Central High School. He was employed as a cook at the Kalamazoo State Hospital (now known as the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Center) until he was drafted into the Army of the United States on April 4, 1941. He subsequently enlisted in the Regular Army Air Corps. He attended the Army Air Corps Technical Training Command School of Photography, graduating as an Aerial Photographer and Photo Lab Technician. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Photo Lab Commander upon graduating from Army Air Corps Cadet Training Unit at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut on February 18, 1943. His first Duty Station was Peterson Field Air Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado as Photo Lab Commander, 7th Photo Squadron (L). He later transferred to the 1st Mapping Group, Bolling Field, Washington, DC for further training and subsequent transfer to 1st Photo Charting Squadron, Control Section, Bradley Field, Connecticut. He departed overseas December 25, 1943 for duties as Geodetic Control Officer in Africa and the Middle East. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on August 2, 1944. He returned from overseas assignment November 9, 1945 and was honorably discharged from active duty on April 12, 1946. He resumed interrupted college education, graduating Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan College of Education (now known as W.M.U.) in June of 1948. He taught at Battle Creek Central High School for 8 years, teaching Basic Living and College Prep Biology. He began graduate studies at the University of Michigan and received his Graduate Degree in 1952. He carried out advanced graduate studies at W.M.U., Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Rocky Mt. Biological Laboratory in Crested Butte, Colorado. He was the first instructor hired for Kellogg Community College (then called Battle Creek Community College) in 1956. He taught Biology and Botany, and was the Chairman of the Science and Mathematics Department for 14 years. He retired from KCC after 30 years total teaching in May of 1978. He was a member of Alumni Associations of WMU, U of M (Life Member), Rocky Mt. Biological Laboratory (Life Member), AARP and MARSP. On May 31, 1943 he was married to the former Mildred Ruth Anunson at Peterson Air Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado and she preceded him in death on July 19, 1995. He was also preceded by two brothers: Worthington DeBoer and Victor W. DeBoer, 1st Lt, Army Air Corp who died in the South Pacific during WWII; his sister: Beverly Ann Wickman and half-brother: Frederick DeBoer. He is survived by his brother: H. Russell DeBoer of Kalamazo and several nieces and nephews. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Graveside Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2014 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A gathering will be held following the service from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Ashton Lake Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, Sidney found the following organizations closest to his heart, as a memorial please contribute to the Kellogg Community College Foundation Student Loans, Battle Creek Symphony Music Center or Rocky Mountain Biological Lab.

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