JOHN EDWARD BORKENHAGEN

John (Jack) Edward Borkenhagen, age 87 of Hayward, died peacefully with family at his side on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

John was born July 30, 1936, in Ashland, Wisconsin, son of John C. and Anne (Huber) Borkenhagen.  He was united in marriage to Jean Stadther on September 13, 1958, at St. Aloyisius Church in Olivia, Minnesota.  They began their married life in Solon Springs, Wisconsin where they started their family and John began his long career with the Wisconsin DNR.  He was later transferred to Hayward, Wisconsin where he managed the state tree nursery. During this time the couple built a cabin on Placid Lake and started a tree farm nearby, Placid Lake Enterprises.  In addition, he and his wife made many longtime friends through their tree farming business.  John enjoyed hunting, and fishing with family and friends.  John especially enjoyed deer hunting season at the shack with family and where many memories were made which became embellished family tales that have been told and retold over the years.  He also enjoyed the company of his grandchildren.  John taught them the importance of a good work ethic as they helped him on the tree farm.  He also showed them how to have fun as he took them on adventures in his Jeep, on snowmobile and by boat. After John's retirement he and his wife sold their home in town and made their cabin on Placid Lake their year around home.

John is survived by his children:  Deb Moreland (Appleton, WI), John M. Borkenhagen and his wife Lynn (Rochester, MN), Jim Borkenhagen and his wife Karen Schlageter (Madison, WI), Sandra Borkenhagen and her husband Bill Fetzner (Hayward); sister Beth Eder (Park Falls); eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hayward, WI. Visitation was held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. prior to Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org or to Fishing Has No Boundaries, Hayward Chapter, PO Box 375, Hayward, WI 54843.

The family would like to thank the staff at Water's Edge Assisted Living in Hayward for their expert care and kindness for John during the past 8 years while he made his home there.