Jack Eugene Borcherding was born December 27, 1934, at his parents home on a farm near Alpha, Iowa. He was the second son of Albert and Ruth (McConkey) Borcherding. Jack and his older brother, James were joined by a sister, Brenda Lou in 1943.
He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sumner, Iowa, and confirmed at Peace Church in Fredericksburg, Iowa. In early childhood he attended country schools in Chickasaw County and completed his formal education graduating from Fredericksburg High School in 1953. He was active in 4-H as a youth. He showed the Champion Club Calf Heifer at National Dairy Cattle Congress in 1950 and was Iowa Champion 4-H Dairy Club Member in 1953. He remained at home working on his parents’ dairy farm and selling cars for Weidler Chevrolet in Sumner until 1956 when he moved to Cedar Rapids and worked for Link Belt Speeder. He entered the military in 1957 serving with Co A 2d BG 39th Infantry (The Saints) at Ft. Lewis, Wash. He married Sharon Heussner, June 16, 1957. He attended Barber College, graduating in 1960. He barbered in Waterloo and Lawler, Iowa, and Mabel, Minn. A daughter Tina Gay, was born to the union, March 6, 1964. He barbered in Lawler until the farm was purchased north of Burr Oak, December 1, 1964.
They adopted a son, Alan Wray in 1967 and a daughter, Tessa Jean in 1970. In 1976, Sally Swisher, Sheri’s stepsister, joined the family and lived with them until she graduated from high school. They farmed until 1996, when he rented the land out and delivered trailers to all 50 states for Featherlite Co. out of Cresco, Iowa.
He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. The McConkey family history can be traced back to the Revolutionary War in 1776. He served on the FHA Board. He was a member of Burr Oak Lutheran Church, serving on the council and taught Sunday School in the ‘60s. Sheri and Jack were Luther League Advisors in the ‘80s and attended the Luther League Convention in Denver, Colo. He was a charter member of the Professional Farmers of America. He belonged to the American Legion Club Post 299 in Mabel, Minn.
He was retired, helping his brother with medical issues and enjoying his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Brenda Lou, a brother, James R. Borcherding and brother-in-law Scott Hughes and James Hughes.
He is survived by his wife Sheri, his children Tina Quam (Dennis), Alan Borcherding (Crystal Johnson) and Tessa Numedahl (Pete), grandchildren Taylor James and Payton Louis Numedahl, Jaron Alan and Skyelin Rae Borcherding and nephews, Scott Hinders (Dee), Gene Hinders (Terri), Bryan Robinson and James Robinson (Dana).
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Matt Larson officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 18 at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church and one hour prior to services at the church. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.
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