Pastor Michael J. Borcherding

Reverend Michael John Borcherding, 68, died unexpectedly in his home in Oak Lawn, IL, on December 22, 2017.

He was born on November 13, 1949, in St. Louis, MO to Edgar and Norma (Oppliger) Borcherding.  His parents preceded him in death.

Pastor Mike is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan (Trusty) Borcherding, who he married on July 20, 1974 in Salisbury, MO; three daughters, Amy Langdon (Rick) of Springfield, MA, Erin Borcherding (Ryan Winstead) of Peoria, IL, and Alisha Lyngcoln (Nick) of Cairns, Australia; four grandchildren, Jack, Ella, Mina, and Stella; one sister, Becky Borcherding of Overland Park, KS, three brothers, Mark Borcherding (Gwyn) of Avon, IN, Doug Borcherding (Chris) of Lenexa, KS, David Borcherding (Cheryl) of Overland Park, KS, and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Pastor Mike graduated from St. John’s Academy in Winfield, KS in 1967.  He received his Associate in Arts Degree from St. John’s Senior College in Winfield, KS in 1969, and his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN in 1972.  He graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree at Christ Seminary in Exile, in St. Louis MO in 1977.  Pastor Mike was ordained into the Ministry at Zion Lutheran Church, in Kingman, KS on June 26, 1977.

Pastor Mike presided at Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe, WI, Zion Lutheran Church in Kingman, KS, Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in Haven, KS, Faith Lutheran Church in St. John, KS, Garfield Lutheran Church in Garfield, KS, Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, KS, Emanuel Lutheran Church in Stuttgart, AR, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Peoria, IL.  He was Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Oak Lawn, IL from December 1, 2009 until his death.  Pastor Mike was a faithful servant of God and he loved the members of all the congregations he served. He served in the ministry for over 40 years.

Pastor Mike loved his family, and his greatest joy was spending time with them.  He also enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, movies, and keeping freshwater tropical fish.  He exercised regularly at the gym with his good friend, Dave.  Mike and Sue loved all their time spent together. They frequently traveled, camped, and gardened. He loved new experiences and enjoyed learning by reading, traveling, and getting to know people.

He lived and died by the words of his confirmation Bible verse: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”, Revelations 2:10, and will be remembered as compassionate, just, and full of God’s grace.

Funeral services will be at Trinity Lutheran Church (9701 S. Brandt Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL) on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 10:00 AM.  Visitation will be at Thompson-Kuenster Funeral Home in Oak Lawn, IL on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Pastor Mike will lie in state beginning at 9:00 AM on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to support the ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) via the ELCA website at www.elca.org or by mail at ELCA Churchwide Ministries 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631 or to Trinity Lutheran Church ministries in Oak Lawn, IL.