Jerry Richard Boellaard

Jerry Richard Boellaard, aged 71, of Plantation, Florida passed away on April 17, 2024. Born on August 24, 1952 to Bert Boellaard and Mildred Barnes. Jerry grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was a proud graduate of Washington High School and South Dakota State University.

On August 17, 1974, Jerry married Rila Wells. Their union was blessed with three children: Jeffrey Boellaard, Jamie (Matthew) Tillman, and Jordan (Cesilia) Boellaard. Jerry was a devoted grandfather to two granddaughters, Lily (Steven) Burnette, and Tiffani Decker, and two great grandchildren, Maislee and Memphis Burnette. 

In 1975, Jerry began his military career as a Chinese linguist. He enjoyed traveling the world in his career. He was stationed in California, North Carolina, Washington State, Hawaii, Japan and China. After retiring from the military he continued to serve his country as a Customs and Border Protection officer. He continued to enjoy travel in this career as he was stationed in  North Dakota, Guam, Bermuda, and Florida. He retired after 19 years. 

Beyond his professional life he was involved in volunteer positions in his communities. He enjoyed being a scout leader.  Jerry was active in the music programs by playing his guitar and singing at churches he attended and also served in the church council at several churches. 

Jerry was known for his ability to learn languages, often incorporating them into his everyday vocabulary. He loved teaching others some of his favorite phrases from other languages. Telling his granddaughters oyasuminasai (good night in Japanese) was one of his favorite things to do. 

Jerry was a story teller and his favorite stories were stories about his children or grandchildren. Most of his stories were repeated many times as he loved telling them so much. His children and grandchildren will be able to remember many fun times in their lives due to his stories. 

He is survived by his wife and children, granddaughters, and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Jeanie (Bob) Pine, and brother Ken Boellaard, as well as nephews, nieces, and in-laws he saw as family.  He was preceded in death by his parents - Bert Boellaard and Mildred Barnes,  his nephew Jeremy Pine, his in-laws George, Clarice Wells and Roy Wells. 

May his memory continue to inspire us all to embrace our passions and strive for excellence in everything we do. Rest in peace Jerry Richard Boellaard.