Roman F. ‘Romy’ Borkovec, 82, Sun Lakes, Ariz., died peacefully at his home on Nov. 23, 2013. He was born April 30, 1931, the youngest son of the late Joseph and Rose Borkovec, in Lena. He graduated from Lena High School and attended UW–Oshkosh. After graduation, he taught rural school at Underhill, before being drafted into the Army in 1952. He was in Korea with the 40th infantry division. While in the Army, he taught G.I.s who couldn’t read or write. At the close of the Korean War, he was chosen to serve with the command in Operation Big Switch repatriating prisoners of war. He interviewed one-third of the American POWs who came back from North Korea.
After returning home, he attended UW–Platteville, where he met his wife, Joan Vosberg. Upon graduating in 1956, he taught high school in Brooklyn. Later, he became a Farm Management Agent for Green and Racine counties. While there, Romy attended UW–Madison getting his MS degree.
In 1963, he started as a Farm Consultant at First Banking Center, Burlington. In 1974, he became president and CEO. Through the years, he was a member of several service organizations and on several committees such as Kiwanis, Rotary, American Legion, Wisconsin Bankers Association, on the boards of Xaverian Missionary Fathers, Redemptorist Seminary and UW–Platteville Foundation. Romy retired after 35 years and moved to Arizona. He and Joan lived in Sun Lakes and Payson. During retirement, he volunteered at the VA Hospital and Neighbors Who Care. Much time was spent golfing. Romy loved life and touched many people. He will be forever remembered and greatly missed by his loving family and many, many friends.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years; daughters, Sandra Boylan (Pat), Lisa Monson (Tom) and Rhonda Beere (Tom); son, Michael Borkovec (Laure); grandchildren, Amber Moser (Garret), Adam Boylan (Ashly), Austin Boylan (Miranda), Andrew Boylan, Kyle Monson (Kelsey), Megan Feuerhake (Travis), Madison and Mikayla Beere, Spann and Jett Beere, Jordan, Dylan, Hailey and Gabriella Borkovec; great-grandchildren, Kolton, Kaydence, and Luci Moser and Trace Boylan; many nieces and nephews.
He was further preceded in death by his brothers, Elhart, Clarence, Orville, Ervin and Norman; sisters, Gladys and Genivieve.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 6, at noon in St. Mary Catholic Church, 108 McHenry St., Burlington. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove. Visitation will be in Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington, on Friday, Dec. 6, from 9-11:30 a.m. Procession will leave for church at 11:45 a.m. A memorial Mass and reception will be held at St. Stephen’s Church in Sun Lakes at a later date. The family requests that any donations be make to the Wounded Warrior Project. Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory, Racine, is serving the family.
Well-wishers can visit www.draeger-langendorf.com.
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Thoughts & prayers go out to Mike & the entire Borkovec family.
Romy will be sorely missed. He was a wonderful man who loved his family and Country, and he served it well. A good man never to be forgotten.
Phil and Gloria Meyers, Payson AZ
A good friend from Burlington & Sun Lakes. You will be missed
by all.
Jerry & Vonnie Kennealy, Sun Lakes, AZ
Prayers and deepest sympathies for the Borkovek family.
Uncle Romy was such a great guy. We will miss our visits a lot!
I have many fond memories of Romy and my dad, Don Jante, working together at the bank and in the community. He was truly a wonderful person.