Washington State University has announced plans to name a building at The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication after former KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen, who died last year from complications of brain tumors.

Goertzen graduated from WSU in 1980 and joined KOMO later that year. The building will be known as the Kathi Goertzen Communication Addition and will become home to Murrow College’s nightly newscast, which Goertzen worked for while she was a student.

“We recognize the unique perseverance, hard work and dedication that Kathi demonstrated throughout her professional career and in her personal life,” WSU president Elson S. Floyd said in a statement. “Kathi will forever be remembered as the truest of Cougs whose life is an inspiration to WSU’s alumni, friends and students for years to come.”

KOMO weekend anchor Joel Connable died Monday from complications of diabetes. He was 39.

Connable joined the Seattle ABC affiliate last week. The station announced his death on Wednesday evening’s 6 p.m. newscast.

“He suffered from diabetes and we’re told likely died from a seizure,” anchor Dan Lewis said. “Joel had an impressive career in broadcasting at stations all over the country. We regret that our KOMO viewers will not get the chance to get to know Joel Connable.”

Connable was just getting back to the television business after a three-year break. He was fired from WTVJ in Miami in 2009 for allegedly violating the NBC O&O’s policy on accepting free gifts. At the time of his death, Connable had a lawsuit pending against the station. Read more

Family, friends and colleagues of Kathi Goertzen gathered in Seattle on Saturday to celebrate the life of the KOMO anchor, who died last week of brain tumors.

Dan Lewis, Goertzen’s co-anchor for 25 years, was among those to speak at the memorial. “Kathi and I put our trust in each other early on and never looked back,” he said. (Watch KOMO’s report on the memorial service above). Read more

Seattle ABC-affiliate KOMO is remembering Kathi Goertzen, a longtime anchor who died yesterday after a long fight with brain tumors. Goertzen’s longtime co-anchor, Dan Lewis, looked back at more than 25 years with the veteran anchor, calling her “the heart and soul of our news team” (video above).

KOMO presented an hourlong special, hosted by Lewis and sports director Eric Johnson, on Goertzen’s life and career last night. The pair were joined by meteorologist Steve Pool and anchor Mary Nam, who shared candid and emotional memories of Goertzen. Read more

Following the sad news of Kathi Goertzen‘s death, KOMO takes a look back at her long career at the Seattle ABC-affiliate (video above).

Kathi Goertzen, a longtime anchor for KOMO in Seattle, died today after a long fight with brain tumors. She was 58.

News director Holly Gauntt announced the news in a post on the station’s website this afternoon:

The long fight against the tumors that have ravaged her brain is over. She is at peace now, comfortable and surrounded by all that is good. Please know, as we do, that your love enveloped her. It strengthened and encouraged her.

She loved your compassion and concern more than you’ll ever know. You helped her fight a valiant fight. We want to thank each and every one of you for that.

Goertzen was hospitalized over the weekend after developing pneumonia while undergoing treatment for the tumors, which she has battled for more than 10 years.

Goertzen’s career, which spanned more than three decades at the Seattle ABC-affiliate, was significantly altered by non-cancerous brain tumors, which were discovered in 1998. She returned to the station after surgery later that year, but the tumors re-appeared in 2005, eventually compromising her facial features and ability to speak on air. Read more

Seattle ABC-affiliate KOMO has announced that anchor Kathi Goertzen is back in the hospital as a result of her ongoing battle with brain tumors.

“She has had a bit of a setback and is in the hospital again,” a statement on KOMO’s website reads. “As you know, Kathi believes very strongly in the power of prayer and how your love and support give her strength. We know right now Kathi would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.”

Goertzen developed pneumonia while undergoing treatment for her brain tumors, which she has been fighting for 12 years. She last underwent surgery in April.

Kathi Goertzen and Dan Lewis, the longtime KOMO anchor team, were back together on Tuesday at a charity luncheon in Seattle. It was Goertzen’s first public appearance since undergoing her latest surgery to combat brain tumors.

“Her voice is very weak–it’s only been 6 weeks since the surgery, and she has to walk with a cane because she is still having some balance problems,” KOMO news director Holly Gauntt said. “In typical Kathi fashion though, with a quiet voice, she made everyone laugh with a couple jokes.”

Goertzen has been speaking at the annual YWCA luncheon every year since it began 24 years ago. Read more

Longtime KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen, who has gained a significant following online as she continues to battle brain tumors, underwent an all-day operation on Wednesday to reduce the size of the tumors.

The surgery came a week after KOMO hosted a live webcast with Goertzen, in which the anchor discussed her upcoming operation with viewers.

On Wednesday evening, after a day of posting updates on her Facebook page, Goertzen’s family announced that the surgery was finished.

“The surgery was tough but successful and [the lead surgeon] is positive about what they were able to accomplish today in de-bulking the tumors,” Goertzen’s family wrote, in a post that has received over 5,000 Likes. “Thank you for everything today!” Read more

Popular KOMO anchor Kathi Goertzen is undergoing another round of surgery to reduce the size of a brain tumor she’s been battling for over a decade.

Goertzen recently underwent an MRI and doctors determined this week that surgery would be required.

“Doctor saw some tumor growth so wants to do surgery.. again!” Goertzen wrote on her Facebook page on Thursday.  “Will keep you posted when. Really appreciate your good thoughts and prayers. As one of my FB friends wrote, “There’s no room for fear and faith in this house!”. Dread, maybe. ”

Seattle viewers have been closely following Goertzen’s battle with the non-cancerous tumor as she has been in and out of the hospital several times over the past year.