Eugene Kent Borchart M.D.

1932 - 2022

Eugene Kent Borchart passed away on January 12, 2022, just ten weeks after the death of his beloved wife, the love of his life, Dorothy Gaile Borchart. "Gene and Gaile" were quite the pair and reflected a modern-day Romeo and Juliet love affair. Married in 1959, their six decades of marriage was admired by all. Known as Gene to the broader community but referred to as Oogie by his close family and many friends, Eugene was born in 1932 in Des Plaines, Illinois to Eugene Geng and Hulda Borchart. A lifelong academic who was passionate about the study of the sciences, Eugene attended Maine East High School, graduated from University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana in 1955 with a degree in chemistry, and received his degree in Medicine from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1959. Gene was a devoted physician practicing radiology for over five decades at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. He retired in 1998 to spend more time with Gaile and their close-knit family which includes five children, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Some of his most treasured memories were the numerous family vacations traveling across country in a vintage pop up Starcraft camper with all the kids in tow, as well as the grand adventures Gaile and Gene had exploring more than a dozen countries via train, cruise ship, sailboat, river barge and even bicycle. A voracious reader, talented artist and self-taught musician, Eugene was at his finest playing Chopin's famous Prelude in C Minor on the piano and performing various classical tunes on his harmonica. He was extremely supportive of Chicago's abundant art scene, but especially the opera. So enthralled with the production of Hamilton after seeing it in Chicago, he returned more than five times with various ensembles of family and friends so that they too could share in the thrilling experience. His philosophical nature lent itself to many a rich conversation. A contemplative man, in his later years, he discovered a manner of self-expression through poetry, devoting many of these rhythmic compositions to his wife, close friends and family. Eugene sought to live each day with purpose and intrigue which inspired him to stay apprised of the daily news and maintain a daily record of each day's events and musings. This disciplined ritual continued for over a decade. A man of great character with the highest level of integrity, Eugene was very proud of his support for the "underdog". His widespread generosity and tender heart made him a famous and frequent attendee at Lyric Opera of Chicago where he befriended a local pan handler outside the theater thus launching a unique enduring friendship. He was consummately generous with all that he possessed; his wealth, his time, his knowledge and above all, his enormous and gentle heart. He had a passion for the human condition. Never wavering in his attempt to make the world a better place for the marginalized in society, he reminded all of us that kindness begins where necessity ends. Eugene is survived by his children, Holly Lynn (Robert) Meis, Scott Alan (Miyuki) Borchart, Wendy Jeanne (Brad) Bawmann, Kathleen "Kate" Yvonne (Thomas) Wallace, and Robert Michael (Holly) Gorz; his grandchildren, Brian (Heidi) Meis, Lauren (Lucas) Judd, Oliver Bawmann, David Meis, Phoebe Bawmann, Kathleen Meis, Helen Rei Borchart, Sophie Marie Borchart, Jakob Dammen, Maya Dammen and Ella Dammen; and his great-grandchildren, Kingston Shuberg, Charlie Meis, and Meru Meis. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Gaile (nee Dimmack) Borchart; and by his parents. A Celebration of Life for Gene and Gaile Borchart will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2022, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Metropolis Ballroom located at 6 South Vail Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60005. The family wishes memorial contributions be made in support of a Veterans organization of your choosing. Funeral information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.