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Eugene W. Borchardt

FAIRMONT — Private family services for Eugene “Gene” W. Borchardt, 88, of Fairmont, Minn., will be held in April with burial in Lakeside Cemetery. A celebration of life service for all of Gene’s family and friends will be held at a later date.

Gene passed away Friday evening, March 27, 2020, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minn. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Eugene W. Borchardt was born April 5, 1931, in East Chain, Minn., the son of Reinhart G. and Lillian E. (Rowley) Borchardt. He attended school in East Chain and graduated from East Chain High School with the class of 1949. Gene would then go on to further his education attending the Minneapolis Business College in Minneapolis.

On June 16, 1951, Gene was united in marriage to Ardis E. Kuenle at the St. Paul E & R Church in Pleasant Prairie Township. Together, the couple were blessed with six children, Cynthia, Mike, Doug, Rick, Mark and Dan. On Feb. 8, 1952, Gene enlisted with the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas and served his country proudly during the Korean War. On Feb. 7, 1954, Gene received his honorable discharge and he and his family returned to Fairmont.

Gene began working at Glenn Reed Tire in 1954 and in 1982, Gene became co-owner. On March 25, 1984, Ardis passed away, but Gene was blessed to find love again when he met and married Marilyn (Baarts) Sweet at St. John’s UCC Church in Fairmont on May 4, 1985, and he welcomed her son Bryan into his family. Gene continued working until his retirement on Jan. 1, 1994. He and Marilyn then enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Weslaco, Texas. Gene was very active in the community, serving as a past board member of Lakeside Cemetery, Pack 68 Cub Scout Leader, council member of St. John UCC, and board member of the Martin County Historical Society and Martin County Genealogical Society. Gene was proud of his time in the military and was an active member of the Korean War Veterans Chapter 254 and life member of Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36 where he served as chaplain presenting the flag to the families of over 500 veterans. Family was extremely important to Gene as he looked forward to spending time with family and friends and especially guys night out with his boys.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Marilyn Borchardt; children, Mike (Debra) Borchardt, Doug Borchardt, Rick Borchardt, Mark (Tami) Borchardt, Dan (Renae) Borchardt, and Bryan (Mary Beth) Sweet; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Judy (Wayne) Frank, and Gloria Oveson; brother, Roger (Doris) Borchardt; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Reinhart and Lillian Borchardt; wife, Ardis; daughter, Cynthia Lynn; brothers, Elwin Borchardt and Gordon Borchardt; sisters, Marcella Williams, Delores Halvorson, Lavonne Borchardt; and in-laws, Carol Borchardt, Don Williams, Ed Halvorson and Glen Oveson. The family requests memorials be left in Gene’s name to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Fairmont, Martin County Historical Society, and Martin County Genealogical Society.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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