Fred De Boer

Feike "Fred" De Boer went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 15, 2020 in Visalia, California, surrounded by his loving family. Feike was born April 17, 1936 in Schraard, Friesland to Willem and Yeb De Boer. He was the 2nd of eight children. As a young child growing up in Wuns during WWII, he worked in the family butcher shop and milked cows by hand for local dairy farms. He immigrated to Corona, California in December, 1956, working for his uncle, Charlie Rusticus. In 1959, family legend has it that Feike rode his horse to introduce himself to his neighbor, Jennie Hoekstra. Jennie accepted his offer to go on a date and thus began their lifelong love. They were married in 1960. Four children soon followed: Grace, Evie, Willem, and George. In 1962, he started his first dairy, a cash and carry, called Top O' the Morn. He later dairied in Saugus, then moved back to the Chino Valley. And finally, after years of hard work and sacrifice, Feike realized his dream in 1976 and built his own dairy in Ontario. He had a great eye for cattle and horses. He could see the potential in any animal but most importantly he could see the potential in any person. Frequent trips back to Friesland to visit family gave Feike the opportunity to reconnect with his favorite horse breed, the Friesian. He became one of the first in America to import these horses. It soon led to a thriving horse stable. He showed his horses at many places including the Rose Parade, the LA County Fair, and as far away as the Toronto Royal Winter Fair. He made many happy memories and lifelong friends through his horses. For his efforts on behalf of the breed, Feike was inducted into the Friesian Horse Association Hall of Fame. For all his success, Feike was a humble man. His special wink and smile made you feel like the only person in the room. He was happiest on his ranch spending time with Jennie, their kids, grandkids, friends and tending to his horses. He never wanted to leave, every day on his ranch was a vacation to him. Feike is survived by his four children, Grace (John) Visser, Evie (Ron) Locke, Willem (Anneke) De Boer and George (Jenn) De Boer and his 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, who all were so precious to him. He is also survived by his siblings, Pete (Ida) De Boer of Tulare, Akky Van Veen, Wies Wiersma, Willem (Eelkje) De Boer and Siet (Siebe) Anema, sister-in-law Jantsje De Boer, brother-in-law Cor Politiek, all of The Netherlands, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his "vrouwtje" Jennie, his parents, Willem and Yeb De Boer, his brother Douwe De Boer, sister Tiny Politiek and brothers-in-law Pier Van Veen, and Siebe Wiersma. The family would like to thank Uncle Pete and Tante Ike for all they have done for our Dad, especially these last few years. We would also like to thank Lupe, Angela and all the staff at Quail Park. We are so grateful for the compassionate care he received while there. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Valley Christian School FFA building fund or Bakersfield Christian High School. A Viewing will be held from 4-7pm on Tues., Dec. 22nd at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Graveside Service will be at 9:00am at Visalia District Cemetery on Wed., Dec. 23rd. A Celebration of Life will be held January 30 at the horse ranch. Condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Fred De Boer

April 17, 1936 - December 15, 2020