John M Borquist

FITCHBURG - John Michael Borquist, age 78, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, after a brief illness, at his home in Fitchburg, surrounded by his beloved family. John was born on March 20, 1944, in Madison. Known as Papa John to many, he loved his family, friends and community. His life was lived with intention, and he generously gave his time to make personal connections with everyone. John was calm, joyous, affectionate and loving. His sense of humor was well known to his family, and he loved to tell stories and laugh. John was incredibly proud of his precious children, grandchildren and family. He had a sweetness to him that was felt by all who met him. A devoted family man and husband, John enjoyed spending time with family and friends. In addition to watching the Packers, Brewers and Badgers, he enjoyed social events and movies. Music and church were important to John, and he enjoyed playing Santa for various community groups and schools each year.

John grew up with his sister, Judy, and parents on Jenifer Street, and was known by family and friends as, “Jack.” He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, playing sports, attending social events and church. In 1962, he graduated from East High School in Madison, where he played football, baseball and golf, earning the nickname “John Smooth Swinging Borquist.” John also sang in the choir and was involved in theater. He worked at the local HiLo Supermarket which is now the Jenifer Street Market.

John attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received his B.A. in Psychology in 1966 and his Master's in Social Work in 1968. He participated in the civil rights movement and was active in the military reserves. John married Susan M. Salt on Aug. 29, 1965. Together they raised four daughters. Susan passed away on June 14, 1993. He then married Nancy (Van Winter) Stafslien on July 9, 1994. John became a stepfather to a son and three daughters.

John was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and State Certified Psychotherapist. He worked for 50 years in the state of Wisconsin as a Social Worker and Educator. John began his professional career with the State of Wisconsin, working at the Wisconsin Child Center in Sparta (1968-1973). He was a family therapist at Lutheran Social Services and was instrumental in advocating and creating in-home treatment programs so children could remain in their homes and receive the services they needed (1973-1991). John went on to work at the Dane County Human Services and managed the Children Youth and Family contracted services for community-based programs and foster/group homes. He worked to develop Joining Forces for Families community based social work as well as programs for substance abuse and trauma services for children in Dane County (1991-2007).

After retirement, John joined the faculty at UW-Madison, School of Social Work, Field Faculty Associate, Emeritus, in the Field Education Program from 2006-2018. He developed strong relationships with his colleagues and enjoyed sharing his many years of professional experience, wisdom, and friendships with students. John also worked part-time for the Madison Metropolitan School District as a substitute Special Education Assistant. This work was very meaningful to him as he loved children and found immense joy in helping others. John also developed many special relationships with his friends in the Hmong community.  

Starting in 2015, John served his friends and neighbors at the Highland Courtyard Homes Condominiums as a board member and was a building captain for many years. He was always caring, patient, kind and allowed every owner to have a voice. John was the friend everyone wished they had.

John had a strong faith and deep love for God and the Lord Jesus Christ. He was an active member in several churches during his earthly life. Most recently, Gateway Community Church since 2021. Prior to that, he was a member of Springs of Hope, Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison Christian Community and Zion Lutheran. He taught children Sunday school, participated in church camping trips to the Boundary Waters, hosted prayer groups and bible studies in his home and served as an Elder. John also officiated many marriage ceremonies.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan Salt Borquist; his daughter, Pamela Borquist; stepdaughter, Christina Stafslien; great-grandson, Jiale Borquist-Leggions; and his parents, Harold and Charlotte (Maisch) Borquist. John is survived by his wife, Nancy Borquist, of Fitchburg; sister, Judy (Borquist) French of DeForest; his sister-in-law, Jennifer Salt of Spring Green; sister-in-law, Kay Silvers; daughters, Jacqueline Gleason (Quint) of New Glarus, Debra Borquist-Conlon (Peter) of Fitchburg and Julie Bozeman (Edward) of Morgan Hill, Calif.; two step-daughters, Sandra Smith of Saint Petersburg, Fla., and Deborah Tieberg (Rick) of Madison; step-son, Robert Stafslien (Renae) of Sun Prairie; 12 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Theodore John (TJ) (Hannah), Marcus, Tiarsa, Aaliyah (Leo), Lilly, Andrew (AJ), Camden, Samuella, Bayley, Olivia, Noelle and Jack; one great-grandchild, Shyheim; nieces, Sara Jane and Karla; nephews, Todd and Norman; great-niece, Brianne; and great-nephew, Drew.

John will be remembered as a kind, loving, and giving person. He had an absolute heart of gold. John’s family wants to thank the UW Hospital and Clinics care team, Palliative Care team members at UW Carbone Cancer Center and the Agrace HospiceCare nurses, social workers and certified nursing assistants. Their incredible conversations, compassion, care, and support meant the world to John and our family. We also thank Pastor Jeff King for his spiritual support and personal friendship with John for over 19 years.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg. A short visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., prior to the celebration of John’s life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at HIGH POINT CHURCH, 7702 Old Sauk Road, Madison, with lunch to follow. We thank Pastor Jeff King and Pastor Paul Lundgren for officiating. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit John’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

John cared deeply about children and his work in our community. In lieu of flowers or plants a donation may be made to -

·Dane County Foster Care, this is a general fund to support children in foster care. Please make checks out to Dane County Foster Care and send it to 1202 Northport Drive, Madison, WI 53704.
 

·Dane County Human Services - Holiday Host a Family, which sponsors families with holiday gifts and meals. Please make checks to Dane County Social Workers 2634 with a memo “Host a Family” and send to 1202 Northport Drive, Madison, WI 53704.

So many beautiful people fill our lives and yet there are so few who can touch a heart and brighten a day in the special way you do. We love you!!

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002