June 18, 2019 – West Bend, WI – James “Jim” Howard Borchert, 83, of West Bend was called home to be with the Lord on June 14, 2019 at the Cottages at Cedar Run in West Bend.
Jim was born on December 19, 1935 in Milwaukee to Howard and Ella Borchert (Lemke). He was united in marriage to MaryAnn Gron on May 3, 1958. MaryAnn passed on July 19, 2017.
Jim was a longtime active member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in West Bend where he was involved with Stephen Ministries, a past member of the choir, and had served with the Goodie Gals (which became known as Big Jim and the Goodie Gals). Jim was also a past member of the Wise Guys men’s group, and he frequently served with MaryAnn as greeters; they were both active supporters of the India Ministry Program at the church.
Jim was a past member of the Hiram Sawyer Lodge #338, F. & A.M.; and also a past member of the Tripoli Shine chapter in Milwaukee. He was heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America in the ‘70s and ‘80s; serving both as a Scout Master and District Chairman. He had a great love and respect for the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting, fishing; and camping on the Wolf River. Jim also enjoyed gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Those Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory include his three children, Mark (Jane) Borchert of Colorado Springs, CO, David (Elizabeth) Borchert of Eden, UT, and Eric (Christine) Borchert of Deerbrook; six grandchildren, Isaac Borchert, Nicholas Pasquale, Christie (Stanton) Nielson, Matthew (Marta) Borchert, Erin Borchert, and Aimee Borchert; two great-grandchildren, Caleb and Jackson Pasquale; a sister-in-law, Margaret Bergemann of Kewaskum; a niece, Lynne (Loren) Holdorf of Stevens Point, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Howard and Ella, and his wife MaryAnn; he was preceded in death by grandson, Jojo Borchert, brother Robert Borchert, sister, Ethel “Tudy” (Gus) Kagelmann; and by two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Bergemann and Andrew Gron Jr.
A Funeral Service for James will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019, at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 501 Walnut St., in West Bend with Rev. Rich Vincent officiating. Burial will be held at 10:30 on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield.
The Borchert family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from noon until the time of services. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the India ministry at Immanuel UCC in West Bend.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the all of the staff, caregivers, and volunteers, at The Cottages memory care facility; and also the Cedar Hospice staff for the loving care they provided.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home of West Bend has been entrusted with James’ arrangements.
