Robert "Bob" Borst

Robert “Bob” Terry Borst, 84, of Rockford, passed away at home on Friday, March 10, 2023.

He was born in Detroit, MI on September 29, 1938, son of Otto and Anne (Pitcowciz) Borst. Bob always had a smile and warm welcome for everyone he met, talking to them like they were lifetime friends. If someone donned a military logo, he was instantly drawn to them and their shared service to the Flag.

While Bob only served in the US Marine Corps for four years, the Corps set the life trajectory that he lived every day until the end. “Semper Fi!” Dedicated to the mission and loyal to a fault. His mission was to be the best husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa he knew how to be.

As Dad, Grandpa, or Great-Grandpa, he was always all of our biggest fans. No matter the careers we had, the sports we played, the musical bands we joined, the productions we were in, the schools and education we were pursuing, or even just a hobby any of us had… he always made sure he researched and was knowledgeable in our choices so he could always be one of our best cheerleaders along the way. He could be found at the ice rinks, the sometimes rainy and cold lacrosse and soccer fields (even coaching many of Mark’s teams), the bars or bowling alleys, baseball fields, and basketball courts to show his love and support in what we all choose to do. Bob was so proud of every one of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Bob lived life as if every day was a gift and a blessing… before the age of 40, he was told he wouldn’t see 50 because of heart disease. Through medicine, diet, and exercise he changed that outcome and then some. At 84, he didn’t leave anything on the table.

After a blind date and courting from California to Illinois while in the Marines, Mom and Dad were married for 54 years. Three kids, seven grandkids, and three great-grandkids (so far) our little family was blessed to have RTB as our patriarch and leader.

The last seven years were not the same without mom… that was rough on us all. Yet at the same time, Bob continued his passion for traveling to see friends and family across the country. He was a proud parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church for over 50 years. Bob was an avid reader and the best research assistant we ever had.

Survived by his children, Suzanne (Don Williams) Hale, Bobbi Clough and Mark (Lisa) Borst; grandchildren, Miranda (Matt) Smith, Jordan (Haley Miles) Hale, Gregory Jr. (Natalie) Clough, Paige (Ed Tatera) Clough, Serena (James) Dishman, Xandru Borst and Brogan Borst; great-grandchildren, Jack Smith, Sam Smith and Henry Dishman; brother, William Borst; sisters-in-law, Patrice Ingrassia and Andrea (Randy) Grover. Bob is predeceased by his wife, Ginger Borst; parents, Otto and Annie Borst; parents-in-law, Ted and Marge Ingrassia; sisters-in law, Carol (Dennis) Benhoff, Marcia Stevenson and Peg Borst; son-in-law, Gregory T. Clough, Sr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family of Robert Borst to be established at a later date.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, located at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, IL 61107. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will conclude at a later date in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

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