Peter A. Boelens, M.D. (83) of Vicksburg went to his heavenly home June 9, 2017, in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Born in Lansing, Ill., Peter began his career as a medical missionary in South Korea. He continued his work in Mississippi, developing the Cary Christian Health Center. Then, as executive director of the Luke Society, he launched 22 Christian medical-evangelistic programs in various countries around the world.

In retirement, he and wife, Eleanor, began a prayer ministry and published a research study showing the healing power of prayer in transforming the lives of over 60 participants suffering from anxiety and depression. In addition, he published a groundbreaking study with Baylor Medical Center using fMRI that showed significant brain changes following healing prayer. He and Eleanor produced three books: Delta Doc, Where Next Lord? and Released to Soar.

He enjoyed fishing, photography and more recently brain research. Fueled by his deep love for God, he was passionate that everyone would experience the power and healing touch of Jesus in their lives.

He is preceded in death by sisters, Sheila Van Oyen and Alice Vander Velde; and son-in-law, Chris Kingma.

He is survived by wife, Eleanor; daughters, Patricia (Robert) DeVries of Exelsior, Minn., Brenda (fiancé Satish Maripuri) Boelens of Bolton, Mass., Deborah (James) Visser and Sara (Joel) DeVries, both of Grand Rapids, Mich.; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and sister, Frances (Ronald) Redder of Grand Rapids.

His wife will miss observing his daily meditation in God’s Word and his focused energy; his daughters, his humor and joyous nature; and his grandkids, his pancake breakfasts, tall tales and fishing. Friends and colleagues will miss his generous spirit and example as a Godly man.

A memorial service will be held July 9 at Triumph Church in Vicksburg with visitation at 3 p.m. and services at 4 p.m.

Memorials may be made to The Parent-Child Program at Cary Christian Center, P.O. Box 57, Cary, MS 39054 or the Luke Society, 3409 S. Gateway Blvd., Sioux Falls, SD 57106, lukesociety.org.