Richard James Borst

Richard "Dick" Borst, age 89, passed away on Friday February 20, 2015. Born March 31, 1925, Richard was the son of Ellen Carlson Borst and Roy Borst. He was a graduate of Rockford East High School class of 1943 and served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre from 1943 to 1946. He married the love of his life, Betty Hartmann, in 1949, enjoying 63 happy years together before she passed away in 2012. Dick joined the Rockford Fire Department in 1948, retiring as a captain in 1974. He also worked in service and sales at Pella Products for many years. He was a master woodworker, making many beautiful pieces that his children and grandchildren will cherish for years to come. Survived by children Karen (Doug) Gill, Gayle Borst, Diane (Barry) Fitz, Rick (Donna) Borst, grandchildren Kate Gill, Anna Gill, Ryan (Stephanie) Borst, and Alyssa (Ryan) Nielsen, great-niece Kirsten Borst, and his cat Boo. The family would like to thank his caregiver Terese for taking such good care of our Dad. A Celebration of Dick's life will be held at Klehm Arboretum, 2715 South Main Street, Rockford, on Saturday February 28th from 1-3 pm. Memorials may be made to Rockford Firefighters Relief Assn., 204 S. 1st Street, Rockford, IL 61104, or PAWS Humane Society, P.O. Box 7722, Rockford, IL, 61126.