Jelle Zeilinga de Boer passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2016 after a long, stoic battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a loving father, husband and grandfather. Jelle was a kindred spirit and passionate teacher who taught for more than 40 years at Wesleyan University. His love of nature and the earth sciences offered him adventure and extensive travels throughout the world. From the Galapagos Islands to Delphi, Greece and from Costa Rica to diving two miles below the Atlantic in the submersible Alvin. His enthusiasm was contagious and his influence on those he met and taught throughout his career was profound. He will be well remembered by those he touched and for his contributions to the scientific community. Jelle passed quietly, in his home surrounded by his immediate family. He will be forever loved and deeply missed by his wife Felicité, his son Bjorn, daughters Byrthe and Babette, their spouses, and his four grandchildren, Cheyne, Indiana, Braedon and Marino. His family is very appreciative of the support and well wishes of friends, coworkers, doctors, hospice care and local community. Jelle, in typical humble fashion asked only that he be remembered for his work and to continue his legacy by supporting education and the teachers who provide it. Donations in his honor may be made to the Wasch Center for Retired Faculty, Wesleyan University, 51 Lawn Avenue, Middletown, CT. Services will be private. Biega Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com
Published in middletownpress on July 26, 2016