William L. “Bill” Borchardt
On Thursday, September 20, 2018, William Louis Borchardt, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died unexpectedly at the age of 64. Bill was born on April 13th, 1954 in Elgin, IL to Mary Lois and August Borchardt. He graduated from Northern University in 1980 with a degree baccalaureate degree in Geology. Bill was originally from Grayslake, Illinois but was a 30 year resident of Downers Grove, Illinois. Bill worked at BP of America for 21 years. Bill was a passionate environmentalist who was the volunteer head Naturalist at Camp Greenwood Girl Scout camp where he loved to share his love of nature with children. He also helped out occasionally at local junior high and grade schools showing students the wonders of environmental science. The natural world endlessly fascinated him and he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explain it’s wonders to all who would listen. Bill was a man of few words but he used them well. He had the highest principles, and he held all around him to that same standard, be they friend, family, stranger, or fellow driver on the road. Bill had room in his heart for all, and he provided a calming presence, easy-going laughter, or a quick, witty comment to whomever was in earshot. Bill was preceded by his daughter, Becky, brother, John, sister-in-law, Janet, and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Pam (Miller), his two daughters, Molly (Jeff) Woo and Hannah, his grandson, Benjamin William, his brothers Orville and August, and many other siblings-in-law, nieces, and nephews. A wake will be held at Hallowell & James Funeral Home at 1025 W 55th St., Countryside, Illinois from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Monday, September 24. Services and interment will be private. Please consider donating to the National Park Foundation in lieu of flowers.
“Bill was a man of few words, but he used them well”
I think that captures you as well as anything. I am so glad I got to see you at Kelly and David’s wedding in August.
But you still owe me a round of golf, Bill. Keep ’em in the short grass.
Thom McCurdy
Holt, MI
Dear Molly and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss, you have my deepest sympathy. May you find courage and strength in the days ahead and comfort in wonderful memories.
Joyce Pyka
Bill was a gift to all who knew him. He always listened to what you had to say and answered with a thoughtful response..
He was a man who was respected and trusted. If life was fair, Bill would be around for many more years, bringing joy to
all those he was closest to.
Margaret Hershey
p.s. May I just add that he also had the sweetest dimples and the best smile?!!!!
I was in shock and saddened to hear about Bill’s passing. I hope and pray that you will have strength today as you say goodbye to him. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now but I extend my deepest condolences to you all.
Bill was a very kind, loving, caring man and will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. I spoke to Bill frequently over Skype calls to assist him with our software systems and he always asked about Juniper, my 20 month granddaughter. We shared our joy over our grandbabies and I so enjoyed our talks about our families, he loved you all so much. He is in God’s glory now and may you all cling to the wonderful times you have had and know one day you will be reunited. May God bless .
Along with all the wonderful things that have already been said about Bill, I will add that he was a committed and conscientious employee and colleague. I am not sure, but I may have been the last person at BP that Bill spoke to. He called me Tuesday morning to tell me that he knew I was probably sending him emails and wondering why I hadn’t responded. I asked him how we was doing and he said “not great right now but it will all be fine. I will be fine.” He wanted to make sure I knew that he wasn’t just ignoring me. I believe that shows tremendous strength of character and responsibility.
I am truly shocked and a week later it is still hard for me to believe that Bill is no longer with us. My most sincere condolences to you Pam, and the whole family. If there is anything I can do for you’ll please don’t hesitate to ask.
God Bless!