Edward T. Borkus

Edward T. Ed Borkus, 84, Rockford, died unexpectedly at 4:50 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008 in his home. Born December 13, 1923 in Rockford, son of Thomas and Nellie Schuster Borkus. Lived most of his life in Rockford, spending a portion of his childhood in Missouri. Attended Rockford schools and Kansas University. Married Vivian M. Viv Cagnoni in St. James Catholic Church in Rockford on June 21, 1952. Retired in 1984 after 33 years of employment with Barber Colman Co. Veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Atlantic, Pacific and the Phillipines aboard the USS Rutherford. Member of St. James Catholic Church where for several years he co-chaired, with his wife, the Christian Sharing Fund Dance. He was a Communion Minister for the church and Swedish American Hospital. He was also a member of the Verdi Club and the Destroyers Escort Association. Ed was an avid golfer and played at Ingersoll Golf Course for many years. Here he nourished many respected friendships even when his playing was not the best. No one could have asked for a better husband and friend. He was a kind and gentle person. Survivors include his wife, Vivian; brother, Daniel (Elwanda) Borkus, Doniphan, MO; sisters, Helen Elsasser, Ann (Gaylon) Huff and Jan (Ted) Fischer, all of Portland, OR. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law, Jo Goral and Sr. Marie Cagnoni, O.P. Predeceased by his parents, brothers, Alex and Thomas and an infant sister, Julia. Eds family would like to extend special gratitude to Dr. Robert Harner, Dr. Willard Moore, Dr. Justin Gottlieb and the staff of the Coumadin Clinic. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008 in St. James Catholic Church with Rev. Dean E. Russell and Rev. David E. Beauvais concelebrating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation from 8:45 a.m. until time of the Mass at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Church to be used for the needy or the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.