Obituary After 96 years of his huge, fabulous life, Herbert Borkenhagen, Jr. experienced a brief illness and a few days of “pre-heaven pampering” at AngelsGrace hospice where he died peacefully on Friday, February 22, 2019. Herb was born to Edna and Herbert Borkenhagen, Sr. in Milwaukee on October 4, 1922. After graduating from Boys Tech High School, he served in the U.S. Army in WWII, claiming fame as the only one in his unit skilled enough to forge their commanding officer’s signature on weekend passes (Spiro T. Agnew).
After returning home post war, Herb met the love of his life, June Kloss. They married and welcomed three children, built their dream home and enjoyed 66 years of life, love and fun—never going to bed without a kiss goodnight. Herb followed in the Borkenhagen Plumbing family business, working alongside his father and youngest brother, Don.
He and June were longtime members of Brookfield Assembly of God church, where they enjoyed many treasured friendships. After retiring, he and June moved to Florida, where he’d wake up every morning proclaiming it “another day in paradise”. Herb enjoyed 23 years of Florida sunshine, drove his boat down to the Keys long after he should have “aged out”, caught his prized sailfish, played shuffleboard with neighbors, searched for coins on the beach, and drove a wave runner on the intercoastal waters volunteering as a V-cop.
After June passed away, he moved back to Wisconsin in 2014, and was happy to be back with family, and thrilled to get Badgers football and basketball games on TV again. Herb was known for his strong faith, kind spirit, sharp mind and great sense of humor. He will be missed dearly.
Herb is survived by his children Cindy Borkenhagen, Dale Borkenhagen and Sandy (Tim) Ordway; grandchildren Emily (Korey) Enstad and David Ordway; and great grandson Jackson Enstad. He is also survived by his brother Donald (Veronica) Borkenhagen, sister-in-law Janet Borkenhagen and many nieces and nephews. Besides his dear parents and darling wife, Herb was also preceded in death by beloved siblings Robert Borkenhagen, Janet (Chuck) Kasun, Nancy (Roy) Kaempfer and Karen Borkenhagen.
Herb’s family would like to thank his friends at Wilkinson Woods for their care and companionship, and the angels disguised as humans at AngelsGrace Hospice. Per Herb’s request, no services will be held. Memorials may be made in Herb’s name to AngelsGrace Hospice, W359N7430 Brown St., Oconomowoc, WI 53066 “Well done thou good and faithful servant …” – Matthew 25:21 To send flowers to the family of Herbert H. Borkenhagen, Jr., please visit Tribute Store.
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