Frances E. 'Fran' Borquist

MADISON-Frances E. “Fran” Borquist, age 94, died on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on Feb. 27, 1918, in Madison, the daughter of Frank and Magdeline “Minnie” Gotzion. She was a lifelong resident of the east side of Madison, going to St. Bernard Grade School and Madison East High School. Fran married Raymond K. Borquist on May 27, 1937, and they had two children, Steven and Janice. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years and then went to work at JcPenney’s retiring in 1987, after 26 years. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, she was a member of the “Kitchen Kut-Ups” band and performed many nights at the Masonic Temple which she truly enjoyed. During her retirement, she volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital. Fran met many wonderful friends through dancing. She spent many happy days and evenings off to dances with partners, Russ Cook and after his passing, Ted Veloff. Fran is survived by her two children, Steven (Nicki) Borquist and Janice (Keith) Bush; three grandchildren, Michele (Jim) Knudtson, Mary (Griff O’Rourke) George, and Michael (Vickie) Borquist; two step-grandchildren, Kevin (Michelle) Bush and Kristi (Ray Theele) Bush; great-grandchildren, Danielle Boekholder, Taylor Knudtson, Ryan Knudtson, Matthew George, Mitchell George, and Isabella Borquist; step-great-grandchildren, Aaron Bush, Zach Bush, Corey Grieschammer, Grady O’Rourke, Andy and Jay Valdez; many nieces and nephews; including special nephew and niece, Jim and Lynn Cass. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her parents; brothers, Steve and Joe Gotzion; and sisters, Marion Coughlin and Julia Cass. Funeral services will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, and also at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. A special thanks to Jeff and all the staff at Chamomile Assisted Living for keeping her safe and comfortable for the past four years. Mom, thank you for always being there for me and all my friends while we were growing up. You were such a good inspiration to us all. Love you always, your daughter. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, and also at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Funeral services will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding.