W. Terry Borchardt

Our cherished husband, dad, and Grampy, best known for his bear hugs, strong handshake, sense of humor, and infectious laugh, passed away while holding his wife and daughters’ hands in the hospital on Friday, October 13, 2023. Terry was born in Bay City, Michigan to William and Dorothy (Jacobs) Borchardt on August 15, 1951 and attended school at Visitation elementary and high school. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University, earned his MBA from Michigan State University, and obtained his CPA/CFP certifications in Wisconsin.

His career positions included public accountant, treasurer for Wormald (formerly Ansul), treasurer and CFO at Riverside Paper, and financial consultant.  After 9/11, he chose to pursue his lifelong passion for education and began his teaching career at the K-12 school on Washington Island, where the students loved him and he loved them. He moved on to the collegiate level as an accounting and finance professor at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, from where he retired.

His proudest achievement was the lifetime love he shared with his wife/best friend, Colleen, and the family they created together.  After meeting as freshmen in high school, they were inseparable for the next 58 years.  As a lifelong fan of Notre Dame from his early school days, he experienced such joy as his daughters each became part of the ND and St. Mary’s family while attending school in South Bend, IN. Few things delighted him more than spending time laughing with his grandkids, competing in daily Wordle and weekly virtual Bingo games with his daughters, and riding bikes around the neighborhood with Colleen.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen, and four daughters, Jill (Joe) Bosin, Katie (Chris) Kolosa, Kerri (Jesse) Watry, and Meggan (Andrew) Shafer;  three grandchildren, Kemeny and Henry Bosin, and Oliver Watry;  siblings, Sandy (Dick) Bishop and Randy (Eileen) Borchardt; in-laws, Nancy Grace, Judy Moreland, Kerry (Ann) O’Tool, and Kevin (Lisa) O’Tool; and numerous nephews, nieces, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife’s parents, Raymond and Charlotte O’Tool; siblings, Joan McConnell, Henry Borchardt, Robert Borchardt, and Kay Eckman; and in-laws Pat (Tom) Smith, Joe Grace, Bill Moreland, and Mike Forgash.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, November 5^th.  Bo’s family would love to hear any and all stories about how he touched your lives. Please share your stories or inquire about details regarding the Celebration of Life at BoFamilyLegacy@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Bo’s name.