Bernice E. Borton, 96, formerly of Eau Claire, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at The Chippewa Manor in Chippewa Falls.
Bernice was born the daughter of Martin and Olga (Garlie) Knutson on September 6, 1919 in Outlook, Montana. As a young child she moved with her family to the town of Spring Brook in Dunn County. She graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School in 1938. Bernice worked at Presto before enlisting in the WAVES where she served at Pearl Harbor. In February of 1947 she married Irvin Borton at Spring Book Lutheran Church. They resided in Eau Claire. She had been employed in the dorms at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for many years. Bernice was an honorable person, who never spoke a bad word about anyone. She had many friends who were very special to her. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bernice is survived by her son, Bob (Kay) Borton; her daughter, Ann (Steve) Robertson; one son-in-law, Bob Hagen; six grandchildren, Melanie (Jason) Engen, Stacy (Brian) Simmons, Sara Robertson (Jason Hill), Andy Robertson, Joe (Mary Joy) Borton, and Tom Hagen; 7 great-grandchildren; one brother, Martin “Sonny” (JoAnn) Knutson; one sister, Lenora (Orvin) Wollum; one sister-in-law, Agnes Borton Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Irvin Borton; daughter, Margaret Hagen; three sisters, Margaret Knutson, Lucille Whipple, and Louise Sorensen; two brothers in infancy; and one grandson, Christopher Borton.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Roger Benrud and Pastor Robert Hoekstra officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. Burial will follow the services at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.
our deepest sympathy to you all. Bernice touched so many lives and will be missed by many. But if we treasure those memories, she will always be near, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob, My sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mom. She was a good lady and fun to talk to waiting for you to go wherever in our teen years.
Bob:
I want to express my sympathy to you on the loss of your mother. It’s painful to lose a parent.
I love the way she looks in her Navy uniform, and I always enjoyed hearing the things she told you about her time in the service..
Dorothymae
My deepest condolences to your family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in Isaiah 41:13 can bring you some comfort.
Bob and Ann – I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was great. I just checked the Leader-Telegram today (Sunday the 6th) and learned of her passing. I apologize for being late.
All of us from the old neighborhood will miss her.
Bob