Harry R. Borth, 82, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024 with his loving family by his side. Harry was born April 13, 1942, the son of Evelyn and Harold Cooper. He started out his life known as Richard Cooper. His parents divorced when he was a toddler and was adopted by Harry W. Borth, his mother’s second husband; the only real father he knew. After his adoption, they changed his name from Richard to Harry R. Borth. Harry graduated from Palmyra High School in 1960 and entered the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Germany and proudly served his country for four and one-half years and rose to the rank of Sergeant E5. Later in life, he attended Gateway Technical College, Carthage College and in 1988 graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. During his career he made many wonderful friends and hopes he has helped many people along the way. He retired in 2018. In 1981 he married Sally and became the father to one step-daughter, Sara McGregor and one son, Andrew Borth. One of his greatest pleasures was camping with his son Andy and his friends when he was younger and later when his grandsons joined them. Harry is survived by his wife Sally, children Sara and Andrew and six grandchildren, Nicholas, Melanie, Kendell, Teagen, Reece and Ben. He his further survived by three sisters, Linda White, Nancy (Pat) Redenz and Donna Borth, three sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his Granddaughter, Haley McGregor, his son-in-law Brian McGregor, his parents, Evelyn and Harry W. Borth, his mother and father-in-law Roy and Laura Emmerling and brother-in-law Bob White. His final thoughts he wanted to share are: Although my body is no longer here, my spirit will always be with you and will live strong in each of you. When you feel down or disheartened, just think of me and I will help you through your problems. As you go through your life, just think of me every now and then and you will see me out of the corner of your eye. So it’s not goodbye, it’s, I’ll see you around.
How you are today, I once was and how I am today, you will someday be. Live your life to the fullest.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Strouf Funeral Home, 1001 High Street. The family will receive guests in the Funeral Home on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial is private for the family per Harry’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family have been suggested.
What a beautiful send off..beautiful final thoughts from you Harry..You and your beautiful wife Sally were wonderful neighbors to my Mom..she treasured you both..I will think of you often..and I’m sure I’ll see you in the corner of my eye too..REST IN GODS BEAUTIFUL PARADISE HARRY..Say hi to my beautiful Mom and Dad for me Harry..Give my Mom a big bear hug for me and tell her I love her dearly..I love you dearly too Harry and Sally too..I’ll see ya around dear soul Magdeline’s daughter Jackie Baggesen