Harriet Boerman, age 98, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Harriet was born on April 3, 1927, in Zutphen, Michigan, to Lucas and Tillie DeKleine. Growing up on the family farm alongside her siblings shaped her early years and prepared her well for the life she would build when she married a farmer from Bentheim. On August 16, 1949, Harriet wed Jerald Boerman, and the two shared 71 years of marriage until Jerald’s passing in 2020.
After finishing school, Harriet worked in a sewing factory in Holland, where she helped produce military jackets. She continued there until expecting her first child. Once settled on the farm, she operated her own chicken business-caring for as many as 1,000 chickens at a time-and sold eggs to neighbors as well as a local distributor.
Harriet was a member of Bentheim Reformed Church for 76 years.
Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her siblings: Nora (Wynard) DeKleine-Kloosterman, Edwin (Bernice) DeKleine, Dorothy (Nelson) Victory, and Mildred (Harry) Boes. She was also preceded in death by an infant son Duane, grandson Ryan Boerman and brother-in-law Mike Boerman.
Harriet is survived by her children: Darwin and Diane Boerman, Dawn and Brian Vander Hulst; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Emily Boerman, Marissa Boerman, Matthew and Megan Vander Hulst (Noella, Thys), Amy Vander Hulst; sister-in-law: Juella Boerman, nieces and nephews.
The Harriet Boerman Family is profoundly grateful for the kindness and excellent care that their mom received from the Royal Park staff and community over the last 13 years.
Private burial will take place in Bentheim Cemetery. A memorial service in Harriet’s honor will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Bentheim Reformed Church, 3997 38th Street, Hamilton MI 49419. Visitation will be 12:00 noon – 12:45 PM, Saturday, Dec. 20, prior to the memorial service at Benthem Reformed Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice.
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