Bernice Rosamond Borchers

1942 - 2025

Bernice Rosamond (Christopher) Borchers

April 4, 1942 - September 7, 2025

Bernie, 83, of Flanagan, IL passed away peacefully on September 7th at Flanagan Rehabilitation Home.

Bernie was born on April 4, 1942 in Schuyler, Nebraska to Sadie and Lyman Christopher. She was the youngest of four siblings. In her early childhood Bernie enjoyed running- her favorite being racing the neighborhood boys and beating them. As well as reading, sitting on her chicken coop, and looking forward to her favorite bedtime snack (which later become her daily meal everyone knew too well)- Cheerios.

She graduated from Schuyler High School and after obtained a degree from Nebraska Wesleyan in education.

Bernie married Harold Borchers before landing in Flanagan, IL, where they put roots down with their four children. Here, Bernie became the beloved teacher to many students and faculty, while Hal became the beloved minister of St. John's Lutheran Church. Together they were a staple to the whole community.

Bernie dedicated over 20 years to the education system and continued to provide her services to the school post retirement through substitute teaching. Because of this, Bernie had the pleasure to teach not only her own children, but substitute for her grandchildren as well. A memory the family is proud to hold.

From humble beginnings she grew fortunate enough to fulfill her love of travel and adventure. She visited many places, a few being: Australia, Germany, Alaska, and Mexico where she lived to tell the tale of surviving through hurricane Emily, a category five hurricane. She completed many smaller travels through the United States as well. Her proudest trip was riding on the back of a motorcycle to and from Sturgess, South Dakota.

Bernie was very proudly involved in many community events such as Women's Club, Wednesday morning coffee at the church, Hosting two foreign exchange students in her home, Monday night bowling, Student council sponsor, Scholastic Bowl coach, and a volunteer/ Bulletin Board coordinator at Good Samaritan. Her passion was pouring back into her community.

After retiring and deciding to slow down her pace in life, Bernie enjoyed many things such as Jeopardy (especially admiring Alex Trebek), Bud Light, gardening, soduku puzzles, spending every moment with her grandchildren (who were her prized treasures), and spending every morning with her youngest son, Jon, sharing a cup of coffee and completing the crossword puzzles together.

Bernie was a highly loved mentor who taught her students the importance of stopping to frolic in the meadow. She instilled a zest of learning and reading to everyone, as she believed in every single one of her students.

Bernie is survived by her children: Nicole Pomeranke, Anne (Vince) Chmiel, Jonathan (Samantha) Borchers of Flanagan. Her South African son, John Ben. Her grandchildren: Jordan (Tiffany) Pomeranke, Halle Borchers, Abby Chmiel, Sophie Chmiel, and Jonny Borchers Jr., of Flanagan. Her great-grand children, Lorelei Pomeranke and Victor Mesarchik.

Bernie was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, Harold Borchers; her eldest son, Monty Borchers; and three sisters: Karen, Helen, and Gretchen.

Memorials may be sent to Flanagan Public Library.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 12th from 3:00-7:00 PM at Calvert-Johnson and Froelich Memorial Home in Flanagan, Illinois.

A celebration of life will be held at Flanagan American Legion Saturday, September 20th from 5:00-10:00 PM.

Online Condolences may be made to: www.calvertmemorial.com.