Thomas G. Borkenhagen, 67, of Mayville, entered Eternal Life on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac.
He was born on August 10, 1948 to the late George and Dorothy (nee VanAcker) Borkenhagen in Whitefish Bay.
Tom was a classic man in a modern world: a loyal husband with a romantic heart, a fun-loving father, and a true friend. With a flair for humor, the warmest smile, and a child-like spirit, he was one of those people who were able to make those around him better without even trying.
Tom married his loving wife Sandy in 1969. They purchased their first home together in the country near Mayville, and Tom became the ultimate handyman. He expanded, remodeled, and added outbuildings; doing all of the work with his own two hands. In the home they made together, they raised seven children and spent over 46 years together in marriage.
Tom was also dedicated to his work at the M.W. Kasch Company in Mequon, where he worked in facilities maintenance. He began working for Kasch in 1967, and spent 45 years taking care of the building that housed the company.
Tom was a family man to the core. He thrived on the love of his wife; children and grandchildren, never letting them part without saying “I love you.” He always made sure they were taken care of, and took great joy in blessing them in any way he could.
Tom had a deep interest in, and was a true connoisseur of, classic vehicles. Whether it be a Model A, a Nash from the 1940’s, or a meaty muscle car, he could tell you about them all. His knowledge was incredible and his appetite for rare car finds, insatiable. Tom spent many hours acquiring and restoring vehicles of all kinds throughout his life. And when he wasn’t head-deep in the hood of a car, you would find him cruising with the oldies cranked on his way to show off the new automobile goods at a local car show, or to take his family out for a Friday night fish fry.
Most importantly, Tom was a man of faith, and he proudly gave his life to Jesus Christ his Savior, whom he looked forward to being with. His children are thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice and promise that all who believe will one day be reunited with Tom again in Paradise.
Tom lived a blessed life. His laughter, smile, and heart will carry on in the many people his life has touched. He will be well missed.
Those Thomas leave behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Sandra; seven children, Thomas (Lynn) Borkenhagen, Benjamin (Stacey) Borkenhagen, Rebecca Scott, Timothy (Emily) Borkenhagen, Cynthia (Michael) Towne, William (Laura) Borkenhagen, and Theodore (Brynna) Borkenhagen; 17 grandchildren; sister, Jayne (Jim) Schroeder; sister-in-law, Kathi McAllister; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, James Borkenhagen and granddaughter, Poppy Joy Borkenhagen.
A memorial service in remembrance of Thomas will be held on Saturday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Christian Life Fellowship. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Thomas Borkenhagen Memorial Fund are appreciated.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Thomas’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com