Roberta "Bobbie" Borkowski

Roberta “Bobbie” Ruth, daughter of Orval Henry and Helen (Boeck) Kracht was born on September 22, 1936, in Crawford County, Iowa. She grew up in Denison and graduated with the class of 1954 from Denison High School.

 On November 7, 1954, Bobbie was united in marriage with Gene C. Borkowski at the Zion Parsonage in Denison and five children were born to this union. Bobbie worked at the Knight’s Bakery, where she gained her baking skills that followed her throughout her life. In 1957, they moved to a farm in Audubon County, in 1961, they moved to a farm in Shelby County and in 1970, they purchased the Gawley farm which later became a Century Farm.

 Bobbie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. She enjoyed gardening and found solace in the bountiful harvests. She also found joy in canning, with a special fondness for preserving beans that would bring delight to many. The art of making dessert bars was another one of Bobbie's talents. Sundays held a special place in her heart, as she reveled in the joy of gathering her family around the dinner table for home-cooked meals. Whether it was a trip to visit relatives or embarking on camping adventures with her loved ones, Bobbie always cherished these moments spent together. Her presence in the kitchen during vacation bible school and teaching Sunday school, in her spare time, was a testament to her generous spirit and dedication to helping others. Her love for bird feeders, especially the sight of cardinals gracing her yard, brought her great happiness. Countless memories were created while traveling alongside her beloved husband Gene, exploring all 50 states together as well as venturing to The Bahamas and Europe. Bobbie's world revolved around her family whom she adored beyond measure.

 Gene passed away in 2021 and Bobbie remained in their home in Irwin until moving to Gracewell Nursing Home in April of 2024, where she passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the age of 87 years, eight months and six days.  

 Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gene Borkowski; daughter, Sheryl Hopkins; granddaughter, Jennifer Wulf; siblings: Peggy (James) Magden, Sandra (Jerry) Brownlee, Richard Kracht and Stanley Kracht; and sister-in-law, Leota Borkowski. She is survived by her children: Kevin Borkowski and wife, Connie of Harlan, David Borkowski and wife, Pamela of Irwin, Steven Borkowski and wife, Holly of Manilla and Susan Thraen and partner, Brian Yoch of Mesa, Arizona; son-in-law, Norm Hopkins of Colfax; 12 grandchildren: Byron Borkowski, Jocelyn Squatrito, Brian Borkowski, Lauren Botine, Collin Borkowski, Lucy Elbers, Sara Thraen, Jessica Thraen, Jacob Thraen, Lucas Hopkins, Jessie Hopkins and Samantha Hopkins; 11 great-grandchildren: Serifina and Grant Squatrito, Kayden and Emma Erwin, Nash and Sawyer Hopkins, Jennifer and Oaklynn Lusk, Piper, Jhett, and Aspen Borkowski; sister, Marsha Kracht; brother-in-law, Vernon Borkowski of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Sharon and husband, Dean Axland of Ames; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

 Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024, with visitation held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service, at the Historic Trinity Lutheran Church at the Hausbarn Heritage Park in Manning with interment to follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery near Irwin. Memorials may be directed to the family.