Gerald W. Borgwardt, age 84, a Newton resident, was taken to his Savior’s side on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Manitowoc. Gerald is now eternally free from his earthly struggle with Parkinson’s. The battle is over, the victory is won.
He was born July 3, 1938 in Manitowoc, son of the late Walter A. and Anna (Hort) Borgwardt. Gerald was welcomed as a child of God through the waters of baptism on July 31, 1938. He was confirmed on May 18, 1952. He attended Valders High School, graduating with the class of 1956. Following high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin Farm Short Course and returned to the family farm, Fairview Guernseys. On November 3, 1962, he married Janice Wigand in Manitowoc. Upon leaving the farm in 1993, he joined the sales department of Dairyland Seed Company as a district sales manager and then as a selling dealer. He enjoyed working with clients and helping them improve productivity.
Gerald was a lifelong, active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Newtonburg, where he served as an usher, sang in the church choir, and served on the church council. He served on numerous boards including Manitowoc County D.H.I.A., Manitowoc County Dairy Promotion Committee, Lakeshore Farm Management, Northeast Wisconsin Guernsey Association, and Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders Association. He enjoyed opening his farm to 4-H Dairy Judging Teams, schools, and other groups to promote the dairy industry. He took pride in raising and showing Guernsey cattle and seeing his grandchildren follow his passion for agriculture. Gerald also served as a member of the Newton Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. He enjoyed playing Sheepshead, traveling, old time music, dancing, and watching the Packers. Above all, Gerald loved his family. He especially enjoyed following the activities of his children and grandchildren and treasured their visits.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 60 years: Janice Borgwardt; three children: Beth (Dennis) Moldenhauer, Manitowoc; David (Dawn) Borgwardt, Elbert, CO; and Lori (Gary) Edwards, Manitowoc; seven grandchildren: Rev. Nathan (Erin) Moldenhauer and their son Duván, Marana, AZ; Sarah (Rev. Ryan) Kolander and their daughters Ella, Nora, and Eliza, Dearborn, MI; Ryan (Kristen) Moldenhauer and their children Emily and Zeke, Burlington, WI; Heidi Moldenhauer, Palm Coast, FL; Anna (David) Menk and their son Tyler, Glendale, WI; Rachel (Zak) Kenneke and their daughter Alivia, Manitowoc; and Jenna Gries, Manitowoc; four step-grandchildren: Geoffrey Edwards, Kaukauna; Traci Edwards, Milwaukee; Travis (Stacy) Edwards and their children Whitley, Wyatt, and Lainey, Greenville, WI; and Adam Edwards, Sparks, NV; one sister: Joan Waack, Manitowoc; one sister-in-law: Eunice Waack, Manitowoc; and two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Marilyn (Gordon) Woolard, Suwanee, GA; and Suzanne (Jim) Hawk, Atascadero, CA. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law: Milton Waack, Merlin Waack, and Victor (Jane) Wigand; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Carl and Florence Wigand.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023, Gerald’s birthday, at St. John’s Lutheran Church – Newtonburg, 7531 English Lake Road, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Micah Martin. Following the service, Gerald will be laid to rest at the St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 7531 English Lake Road, Manitowoc. The visitation will continue on Monday, July 3, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerald’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church and Manitowoc Lutheran High School.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Borgwardt family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Linda at Jay’s Legacy, the Parkinson’s Class at the Wellness Center, and the Parkinson’s Support Group for the care and compassion they have shown to Gerald and his family.