Walter Peter Borkowski

Walter Peter Borkowski, 79, passed away with his family by his side on March 6, 2026, at Corewell Health Gerber Memorial Hospital.

The youngest of eleven children, Wally was born to John and Harriet Borkowski on November 16, 1946, at their home on the family farm in White Cloud. After graduating from White Cloud High School, he served in the U.S. Army and then worked at the Newaygo County Road Commission until retirement, after which he continued to drive semi trucks around the country.

Wally’s proudest and most treasured moments were those spent with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed deer hunting and spending time in the woods cutting firewood. He was very handy and could fix just about anything, from repairing cars, trucks, and tractors to doing carpentry work and building houses. In his younger years, he enjoyed driving fast cars and getting into mischief with his buddies. He loved telling “dad” jokes and trying to make people smile. He never missed marking a birthday, holiday, or anniversary by sending a card. No one ever left his house empty-handed or without being offered a treat or candy.

He is survived by his children, Darlene Borkowski, Mike (Allison) Borkowski, Tom Borkowski, and Diane Smith, and their mother, Kathy Borkowski; his grandchildren, Liz (Mel) Brown, Lauren (Tyler) Johnson, Lilley Smith, Tyler Smith, Aubrey Smith, Zach Smith, Mady Smith, Emma Borkowski, River Borkowski, and Violet Borkowski; and great-grandsons Harrison, Waylon, and Anderson. He is also survived by his sisters, Bernice (the late Maihie) McFergy, Caroline (Harvey) Cruzan, and Margaret Borkowski; and nieces and nephews, Stephanie, Stephen, John, Robert, Bernadine, Bruce, Liesha, Meredythe, Alicia, Wendy, Sandy, Michelle, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, John (Emily) Borkowski, Edward (Grace) Borkowski, Irene (Norman) Clary, Virginia (Albert) Tennant, Fred (Ferol) Borkowski, Doris Borkowski, and Mathew Borkowski.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Wally's life during a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in White Cloud, MI on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 am. Visitation will take place prior to the Mass, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, also at the church. The service will be officiated by Father Noah Thelen, offering a moment for all who knew Walter to reflect on his life and legacy. Following the Mass, a Graveside Service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery at 12:00 pm. Those who wish to honor Wally's memory may consider making donations to Love INC in Newaygo, a cause fitting his generous spirit. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crandell Funeral Home - White Cloud Chapel.