HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Oct. 13, 2022) – A long-time figure behind the scenes at Midwest Communications of Holland has passed away.
Marjorie DeKam Boerman, who spent 42 years at WHTC, passed away last Saturday, October 8th, at the age of 69, in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.
The Kalamazoo native attended Hope College before coming to WHTC in 1976 as a news anchor, initially using her maiden name. During her tenure, she was an associate news director, continuity director and production director. While she was known for her production work, Mrs. Boerman also made a name for herself as a reporter, most notably covering a presidential campaign appearance of George HW Bush during the 1980 Tulip Time Parade by toting a cassette recorder and conducting a brief interview with the candidate after he had walked the route in the rain.
Mrs. Boerman retired in 2018, and at that time, long-time colleagues remembered her. Current WHTC sportscaster Greg Chandler began his tenure at the station as a news director, and in a Facebook post on Sept. 29, 2018, he wrote, “For 42 years she went about her business quietly, producing many of the commercials you heard on WHTC and 92.7 The Van. She was as integral to the station as anyone who has ever worked there. She’s also a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and just one amazing person to be around.”
Lupita Reyes, who began her “Alegria Latina” program on WHTC 12 years before Mrs. Boerman’s arrival, added, “Margie, I hate goodbyes and especially to a person that I have known for years. Thank you for everything that you did for me to help record spots, just being there to lean an ear, and putting up with me when I would speak in Spanish to you…Please know that I hold you in my prayers and heart and will miss you. Happy Trails my friend.”
During her years in Holland, Mrs. Boerman became an award-winning quilter. She also excelled at knitting and crocheting, and was a superb seamstress. She attended Central Wesleyan Church and was a long-time volunteer at Holland Museum.
Mrs. Boerman married classmate Kevin Boerman in 1977, and they spent nearly 30 years together before his passing in 2007. She is survived by two sisters and their spouses, along with a niece and four nephews.
A private entombment will be done at a later date, and donations in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association in New Jersey are requested.
-Peg McNichol contributed to this report
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