Elsie Marie Borcher

Elsie Marie Borcher of Pawnee City, Nebraska passed away on October 7, 2015 at Premier Estates in Pawnee City at the age of 101 years and 10 months.  She was born on December 7, 1913 to Daniel and Louise (Rinne) Parks on a farm NW of Burchard, Nebraska.

Elsie attended grade school at Violet School.  After she graduated from Pawnee City High School Elsie attended Peru State College where she received her teaching certificate.   She taught at Lower West Branch School, Gravel Hill School and Tranquility School all in rural Pawnee County.

Elsie met Clarence Borcher at Salem UCC Youth Fellowship.  After several years of dating, they decided to get married.  But, at that time, school teachers were not allowed to be married.  Elsie went to the School Board to ask permission to get married and they approved her request.  They were married in Schleswig Iowa on April 18, 1941 by Elsie’s uncle, Rev. Alfred Rinne.  They put two live chickens in a gunny sack and drove to Schleswig. After the ceremony, Alfred’s wife, Margaret killed and dressed the chickens and prepared their wedding supper.  For the first few months of their marriage they lived with Elsie’s parents until school was out.  They moved to Lincoln for 4 years and then to rural Pawnee City.  In 1964, they moved from the farm to Pawnee City.  

Elsie was a lifelong member of Salem United Church of Christ.  She was also a member of Salem’s Women’s Fellowship, the VFW Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary and Rebekah Lodge.  

Elsie worked various jobs after moving back to the Pawnee area, at the sewing factory, school and as a 4H leader.  Her sewing skills were appreciated and loved by family and friends. She created hundreds of quilts and jean blankets, cheerleading skirts, prom and wedding dresses and did mending.  She loved visiting with all the people she sewed for.  Elsie was very proud of her family and her positive attitude was an inspiration that touched many lives.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband Clarence; parents Daniel and Louise Parks; brothers LaVerne, Fred, Melvin and Leland Parks; sister Lola Hoffman; sister-in-laws Luella and Eunice Parks; brother-in-law, Marvin Hoffman; son-in-law Duane Bowman and granddaughter Katie Borcher.

She is survived by son Jim Borcher and wife Jean of Irwin, Iowa; son Sidney Borcher and wife Lyn of Scottsdale, Arizona; daughter Linda Bowman of Pawnee City; son Terry Borcher and wife Suzanne of Pawnee City; son Larry Borcher of Pawnee City; and son Howard and wife Susan of Tecumseh, Nebraska, grandchildren: Bruce Borcher and wife Julie, Brad Bowman and wife Christie, Alex Bowman and wife Jess, Jill (Borcher) Richards and husband Brett, Jodi (Borcher) Trewet and husband Mark, John Borcher, Kristine Borcher, Garrett Borcher and Scott Borcher, great-grandchildren: Erin and Grant Borcher; Nathan, Nichole and Autumn Bowman; Ashlyn and Joel Bowman; Connor, Ella and Zander Richards; Emily and T.J. Trewet, sister Minnie and husband Willard Binder; sisters-in-law Alodyne Parks and Mary Dovel, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends throughout the community.

Funeral services will be held at Salem United Church of Christ, rural Steinauer, Nebraska on Monday, October 12th at 11:00 a.m.  Officiating Pastor Eric Biehl and Reverend Ken Tubbesing. Visitation will be at Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City from Noon - 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 11th with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.  Interment at Salem U.C.C. Cemetery, rural Steinauer, Nebraska. Memorials to Salem UCC, Steinauer, Nebraska. Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

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