Wanda Marie (Grauman) Boekhout, 101, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026. Born on January 30, 1925 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, John Boekhout. Wanda is survived by her children, Tom (Peggy) Boekhout of Merritt Island, Florida and Amy (Tim) Kilmartin of Kalamazoo, Michigan; grandchildren Amanda (Cody) Diefenthaler, Christina (Truman) Ta, Pete (Demi) Kilmartin and John (Brittany) Kilmartin; great grandchildren Nova, Vale, Minh, Nina, Scarlett, Timothy and Robintonk, and many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Wanda had a long and meaningful life. She achieved success by living well. Always kind and a friend to others, she left the world a better place than she found it. Her life was of service to others and she left her mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
Wanda was a woman of deep faith and a master of gentle deeds. She tried to lead by example and was a role model.

Graduating from the Bronson School of Nursing in 1947, she was working as an RN when she met the love of her life, John Boekhout. She was his nurse and he was recovering from a broken back sustained in World War II. This meeting started a life-long love affair. Wanda and John were married on May 8, 1948. True partners, their marriage was a loving one, filled with laughter, family and music.
She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo for over 80 years; singing with John in the choir, involved with women’s groups and being a part of the whole church family.

Wanda loved her family and friends, singing, cats, golfing, lemon pie, traveling and Gun Lake. She was a coupon cutter, baker of cookies, bookkeeper to the band, medic to the neighborhood kids, a yoga instructor, and a friend to everyone. She reached out to uplift and inspire and find the good in others. Wanda was a memorable woman who left no memorials except the example of compassion and humor and the fact that she was pleased with life and was thankful for it. She looked for the best in others and gave the best she had. She made a difference. Her life of service didn’t stop with her death. Even now, through donation, she is at Western Michigan University School of Medicine, teaching future medical professionals.

A celebration of Wanda’s life with be held at First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church Music Department.