Craig E. Borchardt

Craig E. Borchardt

Marengo

Craig Ervin Borchardt, 73, died at his home in Marengo, Iowa, on Aug. 31, 2022, of natural causes. He was born May 6, 1949, to Ervin and Lois Borchardt of Fenton, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Lois; and his loving wife, Sharon.

He is survived by his three brothers, Brian Borchardt, Max and wife, Marlene Borchardt, Brent Borchardt and partner, Debra Mishak. He is survived by four children, Nova Olson and husband, Scott, Matthew Borchardt and wife, Nicole, Betsy Rose Borchardt; and stepdaughter, Jeannie Matlick. In addition he is survived by many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Craig was grateful to have worked as a welder for Kinze Manufacturing for many years. He spoke of how Kinze went above and beyond in supporting him following a motorcycle accident.

Craig was a gifted storyteller with an ability to recall details that brought his stories to life. His love of all things motorcycle began at age four when a neighbor rode past the farmhouse where he grew up. That love for motorcycles lasted his whole life. He was an avid reader and loved to listen to music, especially, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, which he never grew tired of. “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” was one of his favorite books and served as inspiration for his own extensive motorcycle travels throughout the United States. With a pack on the back of his motorcycle, his travels took him to Illinois, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington State, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota and, of course, all over Iowa. He loved the wide-open spaces and lore of the Old West.

Craig was a kind-hearted, gentle and generous man. In his final years, he often spoke of how lucky he was to have grown up on a farm with a loving family and neighbors.

Memorial Services will be at a future date. Condolences can be sent to: 4815 F Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.