William R. "Bill" Borke

William Raymond Borke, "Bill", passed away on February 18, 2024 at the age of 83. Bill was born to William F. Borke and Elizabeth Marie (née Spanbauer) Borke Pauls on December 23, 1940 in Racine, Wisconsin where he lived and raised his family.

He graduated from Horlick High School in 1959. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served on multiple bases in the Far East, working as a mechanic on fighter jets. Upon returning home in 1963, he began work at S.C.Johnson where he was a master electrician for over 40 years. There he met the love of his life Lynn Borke (Freres). The two were married on August 19, 1967. Lynn predeceased him January 10, 2011.

Bill and Lynn hosted 36 foreign exchange students and raised their family on Fancher Road. Mr.Bill was known for planting many trees and keeping a meticulous lawn with lines as straight as a ruler. Even after retiring he continued to work as an electrician servicing many local homes and businesses.

Bill was a people person and the life of the party. He had many friends with whom he loved to share stories or a quick-witted joke. He was also the host of “Fat Tuesday” every Tuesday morning for anyone who wanted to stop by. At the end of his life he enjoyed connecting and being closer with his family.

Those he has left here to celebrate his memory include his daughters; Lisa (Jeff) Theama, Carrie Ann (Richard) Ray, and Jennifer (Emmie) McGowan, grandchildren Anita (Nicholas) Simon, Madalyn, Nicholas, and Andrew Theama, Ashe (Daniel) Purscell, Andrew (Jordan) Borke, Adrian Borke, Shakayla Johnson, Refoncia, Emmie Jr., and Tristen McGowan, his sister Leeann Naughton, sister-In-law Karen Johnson, numerous nieces and nephews, his neighbors, many friends including Paulina Báez from Ecuador and Jared Monson, and the one that made him great, Remington Borke.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law Marilyn and Paul Bodeau; brother-in-law Daniel Naughton; and special Aunt Wilma Milovancevic.

Services are to be held at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home on Thursday, February 22, 2024 with visitation from 4-6 pm and a Celebration of Life at 6 pm with full military honors.

The service will be live streamed and may be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/meredithfuneralhome/