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Richard Raymond Borst

Richard “Dad,” “Dick,” “Rich” Raymond Borst, 71, Marengo, died peacefully Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, in Belvidere.

He was born April 6, 1943, to Donald and Shirley (Maier) Borst in Red Wing, Minn.

He graduated from Ellsworth High School, Ellsworth, Wis., in 1961. He went into the Army Reserves then transferred into the U.S. Air Force, earning a degree as an aircraft mechanic. He later earned a certificate as a master mechanic for Chrysler Corporation. Other jobs included semitrailer owner/operator, and diesel/auto mechanic. He recently retired as a Harley-Davidson technician for Woodstock Harley-Davidson.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge, VFW and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

He had many hobbies. He played guitar and sang ‘50s, ‘60s and country music for more than 50 years. He enjoyed riding his Harley, going to any type of museum, gardening and tinkering with anything. His biggest passion, however, was flying in his small airplane and taking pictures and videos from above and delivering air photos to the home and business owners below.

Survivors include eight children, Chris Nikola (Amy Fisher), Utah, Cherri (Kevin) Kottke, Illinois, Pam Danielle, Oregon, Julie (Dwight) Sanders, Minnesota, Darcy Borst, Oregon, Lance Borst, Colorado, Bradley McKay, California and Brandon McKay, California; six grandchildren, Chase, Savannah, De’Ondra’, Deidre, Matt and Felecia; one great-grandchild, Connor; his ex-wife, Charlotte Borst (Hase); his companion, Susan Peaslee; eight siblings: Darla Borst (Richard) Fisher, Michael (Bev) Borst, Marilyn (Douglas) Hines, Gary (Sandy) Borst, Jeanette Borst, Susan (Ray) Nelson, Victoria Borst, and Tom (Sue) Borst; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; his mother; a sister, Kathy Borst; and a brother, John Borst.

A memorial gathering will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock.

Memorials can be made to Richard’s family for designation at a later date.

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