William "Bill" Borchardt

1938 - 2024

William "Bill" Borchardt

William "Bill" Carl Fred Borchardt, 86, of Newton, passed away at home, surrounded by family on Sunday, May 19, 2024. He was born January 14, 1938, to German immigrants in Milwaukee, WI, where he grew up and attended school.

At age 17 Bill met his high school sweetheart, Carol Joyce Labahn, and married on September 13, 1958. They shared a life with their children and grandchildren for 57 years before her passing on November 5, 2015. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents, William Friedrich August Borchardt and Marie Amalie (Rinnus) Borchardt; and in-laws, Bruno and Esther Labahn. Survivors are his children, William Carl Borchardt, Jr., of Southern Pines, NC, Jeffrey Bruno Borchardt (Kasia), of Maple Grove, MN, Cherryl Joyce Gilmore (Robert), of Moneta, VA, Laurene Ann Nelson (C.J.), of Lincolnton, NC; and grandchildren, Cody Haywood, Jeffrey William Borchardt, Laurel Marie Borchardt Fischer (Brad), Leah Nicole Gilmore (Caleb Pipkin), Adam Robert Gilmore, David Garwood Waggoner. Additional survivors include his sister, Edith Scott; brother-in-law, Michael Sullivan; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bill's lifelong career in lithography began with a six-year offset litho artist apprenticeship while he and his wife started a family and he attended college three nights a week. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, Bill relocated his family to Cleveland, OH, for four years. He then got an opportunity to work for a large national printing company in Appleton, WI, where he and Carol raised their four children. In 1981 this company relocated him to Charlotte, NC, to start a new southeast pre-press facility, which he named Color Response. Bill had many responsibilities in the company but also got involved with CMCC as chairman of their advisory board for almost two years. He was also a charter member of Appalachian State's advisory board and participated in seminars and classroom talks at Clemson University. He also got involved with {PICA} - Printing Industries of the Carolinas. The goal was to spread the word about the benefits of the printing industry and how to achieve them. After enjoying Charlotte for 10 years Bill and Carol moved to Cornelius, NC, for another 10 years, a quieter area on Lake Norman. When retirement approached in 2001, they had their dream house built in the Boone, NC, area and immensely enjoyed 10 years of serene mountain living. As they aged and needed closer medical services they relocated to Abingdon Glen Village in Hickory, NC. Bill spent his last couple of years living independently at Abernethy Laurels in Newton, NC.

Bill and his wife were avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fans. Together they traveled extensively, domestically, and abroad including a photo safari to Kenya S. Africa. They also enjoyed many cruises and loved fishing, boating, and playing games. He was a fantastic cook and an incredibly gifted painter. His family will cherish his paintings as a lasting reminder of his talent and passion.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church, 324 2nd Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 324 2nd Ave SE Hickory, NC 28602, or one of his favorite charities Shriner's Children Hospital or St. Jude's Children Hospital.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Borchardt family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.

Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals

609 Highland Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602