Elizabeth J. Boerema

Elizabeth (Beth) Jean Boerema, 65, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025.  Beth was born on August 26, 1960, in Lemont, IL, to the late Elmer and Jean (Benninghoff) Dickson. 

In Beth’s younger years she cherished family time at their summer cabin and traveling through Europe and the states in the VW camper van. Beth competed in gymnastics floor exercise and uneven bars in her youth, and was one of the first girls to play on a Little League baseball team in Elgin, IL. She married her beloved husband Chuck in 1985 and together they enjoyed motorcycle trips exploring the country.  The light of their lives, son Rob, was born in 1994. Being an amazing mom came naturally to Beth, and all children were drawn to her playful spirit. 

Animals loved Beth too, from her own dogs, to the menagerie of wild birds, squirrels and stray cats she fed from her front porch. Beth viewed travel, biking, hiking, and flea market treasure hunts not only as favorite pastimes, but more as precious moments shared with family and friends.

Beth was truly a people person, yet there was one thing she fearlessly did just for herself: fulfilling her lifelong dream of skydiving.  Beth’s calling was of service in restaurants and as a certified nursing assistant for folks needing her tender loving care.  Caring for all of God’s creatures with a kind and generous spirit was Beth’s happy place, and she will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

In addition to her parents, Beth was preceded in death by father-in-law Cliff Boerema; mother-in-law Maggie Boerema Craig; sister-in-law Rhonda Dickson; and nephews Tim Hammonds, Timothy Streit, and Dustin Elsworth.

Beth is survived by her husband Chuck Boerema of Dixon, IL; son Rob (Shannon) Boerema of Mount Morris, IL; brothers Paul (Kelly) Dickson of Charlotte, NC, and John Dickson of Marion, IL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Clifford (Alli) Boerema of Poplar Grove, IL, Marty (Bob) Streit of Rochelle, IL, George (Alicia) Boerema of St. Charles, IL, Ralph (Terre) Boerema of Rochelle, IL, Nene (Kevin) Elsworth of Malden, MO; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Beth’s family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Dixon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, and to the wonderful care teams at OSF Peoria and Serenity Hospice & Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite animal charity.  A Celebration of Life will be held in spring/summer 2026.

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