Jonnie Boer, the renowned co-owner of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant De Librije in Zwolle, Netherlands, passed away on April 23, 2025, at the age of 60. His death, attributed to a pulmonary embolism, occurred while he was on the island of Bonaire, where he and his wife, Thérèse Boer-Tausch, owned the restaurant Brass Boer. The news was confirmed by a spokesperson on behalf of Thérèse, who stated, "We do not wish to make any further statements. It is very sad for everyone."
Born on January 9, 1965, Jonnie Boer was a pivotal figure in the Dutch culinary world, celebrated for his innovative approach to cuisine that emphasized natural and local ingredients. He began his culinary journey at De Librije in 1986 under the guidance of Ed Meijers and became the head chef in 1989. By 1992, Boer and his wife took over the restaurant, which soon gained its first Michelin star, followed by a second in 1999 and a third in 2004, solidifying its status as a culinary beacon.
Boer was not only known for his culinary skills but also for his entrepreneurial spirit. Together with Thérèse, he built a culinary empire that included Librije’s Hotel, Librije’s Zusje, Librije’s Atelier, Brass Boer Thuis, Senang, and Brasserie Jansen. His contributions to the culinary arts were recognized when he was named "Chef of the Year" by Gault Millau in 2005, receiving an impressive score of 19.5 out of 20. That same year, he was honored with the title of Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.
The news of Boer's untimely death has sent shockwaves through the gastronomic community. Hans van Wolde, a two-Michelin-star chef and a close friend of Boer for over 30 years, expressed his disbelief, stating, "I was called this afternoon by his daughter Isabelle. I can’t believe it. Jonnie was the godfather of the Dutch kitchen, without a doubt." Van Wolde recalled fond memories of their friendship, emphasizing how they supported each other both professionally and personally.
Another prominent figure in the culinary scene, Werner Loens, who served as the head inspector for Michelin Benelux until last year, shared his sorrow, saying, "What terrible news, I still can’t comprehend it. At such a young age! Jonnie meant so much for the development of Dutch gastronomy. He was not only a great chef but also a unique personality, full of passion and fire." Loens noted that Boer was ahead of his time in working with regional products, setting a standard for others to follow.
Despite his passing, Loens remains optimistic about the future of the restaurants that Boer established. With his children, Isabelle (24) and Jimmie (21), already involved in the family business alongside Nelson Tanate, the chef at De Librije, there is hope that the legacy of Jonnie Boer will continue. He had expressed a desire to gradually step back from daily operations to enjoy life more, a plan that now sadly remains unfulfilled.
As the culinary world mourns, the impact of Boer's death will also be felt during the upcoming Michelin guide presentation, scheduled for early October 2025. Currently, De Librije stands as the only three-star restaurant in the Netherlands, and the question remains whether it can retain its prestigious rating without its visionary chef at the helm.
Jonnie Boer was not just a chef; he was a pioneer who put Dutch cuisine on the global map. His innovative techniques and commitment to quality ingredients have inspired countless chefs and food enthusiasts alike. His legacy will live on through the restaurants he built and the many lives he touched.
In a heartfelt tribute, Jimmie Boer shared a poignant message on Instagram, thanking his father for everything he had given him. "Thank you for everything you have given me. I will make you proud, even though you won’t see it... See you soon, old man," he wrote, capturing the deep bond they shared.
The culinary community is left to reflect on Jonnie Boer's remarkable contributions and the indelible mark he has left on the industry. As tributes pour in from friends, colleagues, and fans, it is clear that his influence will be felt for generations to come.
