John J. Borchardt, 81, Stratford, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

John was born on December 25, 1943 in Wausau, Wisconsin to Louis and Eleanor (Hornung) Borchardt. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Edgar and graduated from Stratford High School in 1962. John went on to serve in the United States Army from October 1963 - October 1967. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Virginia "Ginny" Hebert on April 27, 1968 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Colby.

John enjoyed making sausage and wine, cooking, baking pies, canning, gardening, fishing, riding his Ranger and back in the day, snowmobiling. John lived life with a huge heart and a love for laughter. He was also an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers, and the Stratford Tigers. John was a master of trades who loved helping people. Full of knowledge, he always got satisfaction when he was able to convince someone else to see things his way.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelly (Patrick) Williams of Madison, grandson, John Williams and granddaughter, Lily Williams.

He is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Joanie (Ronald) Helmke of Sun Prairie, Jim (Maureen) Borchardt of Edgar, Jan Canaday (Arnell, deceased) of Ohio, Joe (Chris) Borchardt of Edgar, Judy (Ken) Krause of Rib Mountain, Mary Wieloch (Dallas, deceased) of Gleason , Carol Borchardt (Mike Schultz) of Arbor Vitae, Jerry Borchardt of Edgar, and Sally Borchardt of Wausau.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and a nephew.

An afternoon celebration of life for "Johnny B" will be held at Country Aire in Stratford on Saturday, November 22nd.