Gordon "Bud" and Mary "Peggy" Boomer

Gordon Wayne Boomer (Bud), 87, of Traverse City, died Sunday, January 26, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with Cancer. Bud was born on November 26, 1937 to Gordon (Pete) and Thelma Boomer. Bud graduated from Traverse City High School at the age of 17 and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S Army from 1955 - 1959.

He was honorably discharged and returned to Traverse City where he married the love of his life, Mary (Peggy) Cox. Together for 65 blissful years they raised 6 sons while enjoying all the ups and downs of life.

A savvy entrepreneur and expert in refrigeration, Bud started A-1 Service Center in 1961. 11 years later he opened his family business, Bud's refrigeration Inc (BRI), while also owning Cool-It Ice Company. In addition to his HVAC successes, Bud acquired his captain's license to lean into his passion for fishing and the outdoors. He was a charter boat captain on East Bay with his family boat, The Meri-Tyme for decades of amazing memories.

The pillar of his family, Bud was able to create a legacy that lives beyond him. His successful companies, expert huntsman skills, and storytelling talents are a part of his story, but his chuckle, smile and "title" of Grandpa were his strongest attributes. A man of deep faith, Bud's love for his family and community made an immeasurable impact on those around him.

Gordon "Bud" Boomer was survived by his wife, Mary “Peggy”; and is survived by sons, Thomas, Timothy (Lynda) and Troy (Tara); grandchildren, Trevor, Tommy, Todd, Kristi, Mary, Michele, Mickey, Gordon, Sara, Kaytie, Anthony ”AJ”; great grandchildren, Trenton, Laura, Travis, Samuel, Bennett, Timothy and Colton; sisters, Barbara Overholt and Beverly (Ronald) Nelson; brother in law, Jerry Cox; daughter-in-law, Sandra and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Thelma. sons; Todd, Tony, Ted and grandson, Travis. Brother, Dick; brother-in-law, Edward Cox and daughter in law, Julie.

Mary Margaret “Peggy” Boomer, 87, of Traverse City, died Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Peggy was born on November 13, 1937 in Ironwood, Michigan the daughter of Thomas Bernard and Ann Cecilia (Silver) Cox.

She worked at Michigan Bell while also managing the family business, Bud's refrigeration Inc (BRI) with her husband, Gordon (Bud) Boomer. Together they also owned Cool-It Ice Company.

Peggy’s dedication to her husband and family was evident. Peggy was married to the love of her life for 65 years. She always had the biggest smile retelling the story of how they met and “started going together.” Peggy and Bud raised 6 children together- all boys!

Her life was certainly filled with continuous excitement, joy, and adventures. She had a contagious laugh and an endearing smile that made everyone feel loved. Peggy never forgot a birthday and always made sure to call and sing. Perhaps her most cherished title was being “grandma” to her 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She made time for each and every one of them.

A women of deep faith, Peggy felt a great connection to the world around us. She was a proud member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Her faith helped her through many ups and downs of life and kept her focused on the greater purpose. She lifted others up and made the world a better place.

She enjoyed gardening, being a member of the red hat society, and creating precious memories with friends and family. Peggy and Bud entering the next phase together is a fitting conclusion to an amazing love story.

Peggy is survived by sons, Thomas, Timothy (Lynda) and Troy (Tara); grandchildren, Trevor, Tommy, Todd, Kristi, Mary, Michele, Mickey, Gordon, Sara, Kaytie, Anthony ”AJ”; great grandchildren, Trenton, Laura, Travis, Samuel, Bennett, Timothy and Colton; brother, Jerry Cox; daughter-in-law, Sandra and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Ann; husband, Gordon Wayne ”Bud” Boomer; sons, Todd, Tony, Ted and grandson, Travis; brother, Edward Cox and daughter in law, Julie.

A memorial Mass will be held for Bud and Peggy at Christ the King Catholic Church and will be announced in the Spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church.

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