Darwin "Darby" Boerman

Darwin “Darby” Boerman met his Savior and reunited with his son, Ryan in heaven on April 7, 2026. Darby was firmly planted on the Boerman farm in Bentheim. Darby is survived by “his girls”, wife of 42 years Diane and daughters Emily Boerman and Marissa Boerman and his sister Dawn and Brian VanderHulst. He is also survived by: Mother-in-law Jan Betten, Sisters-in-law Judy Betten, Kris and Don Swackhammer, and Jodi and Dave Heneveld. Nieces and nephews: Josh Swackhammer, Nate and Monica Swackhammer, Rachael and Aaron Walters, and Matthew and Megan VanderHulst, Leah, Seth, and Micah Heneveld. Treasured great nieces and nephews: Aiden, Owen, and Brysen Swackhammer; Noah, Adah, and Benjamin Walters; and Noella and Thys VanderHulst. Many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his son Ryan, parents Jerald and Harriet Boerman, father-in-law John Betten, and sister-in-law Kim Betten. Darby worked at Hamilton Farm Bureau for 43 years. He loved serving the farming community and building relationships at the pit with his fellow farmers. He enjoyed the fellowship, talking about farming, family, and life with co-workers and farmers and enjoyed the friendships he built over the years. Darby loved his community and had a passion for investing in the next generation. He enjoyed being a youth group leader through the years, going to the students’ event and cheering for them throughout their lives. Mr. Darby enjoyed mentoring his Kids Hope student and saying hello to all the students and teachers at Bentheim Elementary School. In recent years, he enjoyed building a new community at Community Church of Douglas and sharing life with the congregation. Family was central to Darby’s life. He farmed the family farm alongside his dad and his wife and children all of his life. Diane, “Muffin” was the love of his life and as he often said she was “the wind beneath his wings”. Together, they were a team in everything from fighting muscular dystrophy to cleaning the house. Darby cherished Muffin and with her built a firm foundation for their family. Emily, Marissa, and Ryan were the joys of his life. He was a steady cheerleader for each of them in all their activities, interests, goals, and adventures. His children are the reflection of Darby’s heart, hard work, and humor. The core of his life was his deep faith is Jesus. As a farmer, faith and trusting God for His provision were central to his everyday life. Around the dining room table, Darby taught his children to pray for God’s provision (rain) and to thank him for his goodness when He provided (a light, steady one-inch rain in July). He passionately served God in His church in Bentheim and Douglas and radiated the warm, loving kindness of God to those who crossed his path. Darby was on the lookout for God’s hand at work or as he called it “divine intervention” all around him and wanted others to catch a glimpse of the goodness of God in all things. A service in honor of Darby Boerman will be held at 6:30 PM, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Community Church of Douglas, 6874 Wiley Rd., Fennville MI 49408. Visitation will be 3:00-6:00 pm, Sunday, April 12, and 5:00-7:30 PM, Monday April 13, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Interment will be in Bentheim Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ryan Boerman Legacy Fund C/O Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation.

Tributes

Darwin "Darby" Boerman

January 27, 1959 - April 7, 2026