Robert "Bob" L. Borcherding
June 01, 1931 - November 17, 2013
Obituary
MONONA-Robert L. “Bob” Borcherding, age 82, of Monona, died Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, at the UW Hospital. He was born on June 1, 1931, in Omaha, Neb., the son of Lawrence and Lucille (Brown) Borcherding. Bob grew up in La Grange, Illinois, and graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1949. He attended University of Miami, Ohio and graduated with a bachelors degree in business and accounting. After college, Bob enlisted in the Air Force and served in Europe. He married Joan Jelinek in 1958 and raised five children: Steve, Mary, David, Hans, and Kurt. In his early career he was a top salesman for NCR. He built a life and career for himself in real estate and investing and was able to help and inspire many others through his work and actions. Bob married Lucy Gmeinder on Nov 10, 1995, in Madison. Bob enjoyed and pursued a wide variety of interests over the years, he was an accomplished train and rail photographer in the late 1940s and early 1950s, he had a passion for old cars, traveling and enjoying the beauty of Door County with his devoted wife, Lucy. Later in his life, grandchildren and their activities were a central source of joy and happiness. He also took great solace and comfort from his beloved dog Sammy. Bob is survived by his wife, Lucy; children, Steve (Faith Lerner) Borcherding of Mt. Horeb, Hans (Carol) Borcherding of Madison, Kate (Anthony Knapp) Borcherding of Texas, Kurt (Kate Ackerman M.D.) Borcherding of Boston, Mass., James (Pam) Gmeinder of Mt. Horeb, John Gmeinder of Madison, and Joseph (Tanya) Gmeinder of Madison; grandchildren, Niels Borcherding, Kendra Borcherding, Kurt Borcherding, Lexi Borcherding, Aly, Coley, and Ben Gmeinder, and Mya and Joey Gmeinder; and the mother of Bob’s children, Joan Jelinek. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David; daughter-in-law, Cyndi Borcherding; and sister, Joanna Borcherding. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, with Tom Jelinek presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to APDA, Wisconsin Chapter (Madison), P.O. Box 7513, Madison, WI. 53707, www.wichapterapda.org, or to another charity of your choice. Special thanks to Middleton EMS, UW Hospital, and ER staff for their outstanding efforts and care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Nov 21, 2013 @ 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Thu Nov 21, 2013 @ 6:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Robert "Bob" have been shared yet.
Memories
JS
Judi Sanders
Other •
Thinking of you Lucy and family. Judi & Al Sanders
RW
Roberta Ward
Other •
Hi Lucy,
You're in our thoughts and prayers. Roberta @ KLO (Richard & Jill too!)
AB
Alan Bird
Other •
Steve and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts.
Alan Bird
NF
Norm Flynn
Other •
Norm and Susan Flynn
Our sincerest condolences to Lucy and the family. Unfortunately, we will be out of the State when the celebration of life occurs, but be assured that you all will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Bob was a great guy, and a joy to work with over these past nearly 30 years.
We will miss his keen mind, sense of humor, and friendship.
Norm and Susan Flynn
JC
James Cheek
Other •
Lucy, I have great sadness at being informed of Bob's passing. I want to express my thanks to you for your kindness and loving care you have given Bob over the last 18 years. Bob was the kindest and most generous man to me as I suspect he was to many others. The impact he has had on my life is one that words alone cannot express. What he managed to accomplish in the last years of his life despite his illness is truly a miracle and sets an insurmountable example for others. I weep at the loss and rejoice for him being set free. With Love,
Jim
CT
Chris Toal
Other •
Lucy, I'm so sorry to hear about Bob. You and Bob were such wonderful neighbors and the nicest people. My Mother enjoyed herself so much when you and Bob took us to concerts on the Square - we got to sit at a private table. Bob took a picture of us and it's still on my refrigerator. I remember the suprise birthday party you had for him at the Madison Club. I will never forget the time Bob and I went to the Teacher's Convention to hear a motivational speaker. He let me drive his Mercedes - from a woman who drives a wheelchair van for a disabled kid - driving a Mercedes for one day was a lot of fun. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.