Keith Borchardt

Keith D Borchardt, 59, Kronenwetter (formerly Stratford & Marathon), passed away with his wife by his side on March 2, 2022, at home. He battled cancer for two years and the Lord seen he was tired and came to take him home.

Keith was born in Fond du Lac, on Aug. 18,1962. At the age of three months, he was adopted by his loving parents, Lester Borchardt and Doris (Kroening) Borchardt and lived in the Town of Wien. Keith received his education at the Stratford Public Schools. In high school he met his high school sweetheart and soul mate, Diane VanDerLeest, who became his wife on Sept. 5, 1981, at St. Joseph’s Parish, Stratford. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2021. The couple lived in the Town of Cleveland for 25 years, then moved to Marathon for several years and now residing in Kronenwetter.

Keith spent several years working for his father-in-law’s farm until their retirement, he then spent eight years working as a John Deere farm machinery mechanic in Auburndale. During all those (18) years Keith worked part time as a road maintenance assistance for the Town of Cleveland. His passion was plowing snow and keeping the town roads as smooth as he could. He was promoted to the head road maintenance position for three years. His goal was to be employed for the Marathon County Highway Dept in Wausau. That dream came through in 2006 when he became employed there. He was extremely devoted to his position as a road maintenance employee and, in time, a foreman. Every day his goal was to keep people safe on the snow or ice-covered roads. In the summer he was the foreman for the road crew and things needed to be done right, no do overs with a road repair. He enjoyed being a mentor for new employees as he always pointed out all the good things about the job and working for the county. In Jan. 2021 Keith had to retire as his health did not allow him to continue. This was a very hard thing for him to have to do.

Keith loved spending time with his grandchildren and his family. He and his grandson, Mason, were ice fishing buddies and grandpa’s right-hand man. He also found a niche for something to do with each of the girls. He was a bow & gun hunter, loved ice fishing with his son, grandson and wife. For several years as empty nesters they had a motorcycle and took some great trips with fellow bikers and loved being out in the wind together. Keith was a very loving and compassionate man, when he could help someone get through a rough time, he was an ear to listen. You always could find a smile on his face and that will truly be missed. Keith is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Matthew (Tammy) Borchardt; a daughter, Katie (Derrick) Schillinger; grandchildren: Mason, Adalynn and Shelby Borchardt, Lia & baby Schillinger who will arrive in March; siblings: Kenneth Borchardt of Spencer, Karen Maynard of Chippewa Falls and Carol Carlson of Fond du Lac; brother and sister-in-law, Donald (Bucky) and Judy Budtke, Stratford; niece, Heather (Levi) Vitek; nephews: Tyler (Desi) Budtke, Dylan (Taylor) Budtke, Ethan (Ashley) Borchardt, Jamie (Shauna) Carlson and Ryan Carlson; and aunts, uncles and cousins he cared dearly for.

Keith was pre-deceased by his parents, Lester and Doris Borchardt; a grandchild, Gabriel Borchardt; a sister, Kay Hergert; mother and father-in-law, Marvin and Shirley (Brusky) VanDerLeest; along with several aunts and uncles.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Koppa, Jim Zelinka, Wally Legenza, Peter Kroening, Kurt Wozniak and Josh Pawlowski.

A funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 712 Market St, Marathon City, at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 7. A visitation will be held at Beste Funeral Home, 611 3rd St, Mosinee, on Sunday, March 6 from 2-5 p.m. and at the church from 9 a.m. until time of the funeral. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cty. Hwy. B, following the funeral.

God looked around his garden and found an empty space. Then he looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, he only takes the best. -Anonymous Paid obituary 117644