John passed away on April 25, 2020, in Richland Center at his home. He was born on September 20, 1936 in Winslow, IL to Henry and Carolina (Lake) Borchardt. When he was 12 years old, he went to live on a farm in Clarno Township, Monroe, WI, where he dairy farmed for 60 years. He especially loved raising calves and hogs.
During his early farming days, he was called away to serve his country in 1955 with the 32nd Division W.N.G. – at Camp McCoy. In 1961, he was a soldier in Monroe’s Company B, Second Battle Group, 128th Infantry, which trained in Ft. Lewis, Washington. John was honorably discharged in January of 1962. While in training, he received the Sharp Shooter award.
John loved to drive tractors, hunt, fish, trap & sell coons, watch TV, listen to the radio and tape movies. He loved to watch All Star Wrestling, Days of Our Lives, Young & The Restless, Bold & The Beautiful and the Price Is Right. His two favorite movies were “Erin Brocovich” and “Never Been Kissed”. He loved numbers and could tell you anybody’s birthday; especially movie stars!
In 2009, he moved to Richland Center, where he resided in a group home. He did many activities there that he enjoyed, such as swimming, attending county fairs, going to the zoo, cooking, crafting and bowling. He’d tell us he got a 176 for his score. We thought that was great! We’d find out later, that it was for all 3 games, but that didn’t matter, he was so happy!
John was a hard worker, shy in nature and just an overall good guy, with a huge smile! At every visit, there was no question as to where we were going for lunch. “DQ” was the request every time - aka Dairy Queen. Lunch as well, was always the same. A cheeseburger, fries, banana split and root beer! Everyone that knew him, called him “Fritz”.
John is survived by his niece, Susan Borchardt- Konopacki (Tom) – Monroe. He was pre-deceased by his parents, two still-born brothers, Clarence and Robert Borchardt, brother, George Borchardt, sister, Nellie Borchardt, sister, Rose Mary Borchardt and sister, Viola (Borchardt) White.
A special thank you to Jenny and ALL of the staff at Hillside Home in Richland Center and St. Croix Hospice caregivers. A private grave side service, will be at Bethel Cemetary, Monroe, WI. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Peace Church in Christ, Browntown, WI. Shriner-Hager-Golke Funeral Home is assisting the family.
