Joseph Ralph Borsdorf

Joseph Ralph Borsdorf, 63, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 5th, 2011 in his home in Kent, Illinois. Joseph was born in Freeport on September 14th, 1948, to Mary Jane (Rowe) and Eugene Borsdorf. Joe grew up with a passion for agriculture and a love for the land. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1971, with a Bachelors degree of Science in Agriculture. On June 28, 1975 Joe married Deborah Isaac in Stockton, Illinois. He founded or was the proprietor of several area agribusinesses including Steele Systems, Northern Illinois Harvestore and Northwest Implement. He also served as a former president of the chamber of commerce and was a member of Kiwanis. Survivors include his wife, his children; Jason Borsdorf, Erin Borsdorf, Bridget Borsdorf and Elizabeth Brown. His siblings; Joan (Walter) Ruppman, Ann (Rex) Martin, William (Mary) Borsdorf, Marian (Don) Biehn, Ellen (Dennis) Gage, Anita (Olav) Messerschmidt, and Fred( Lynda) Borsdorf. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Above all, Joe enjoyed spending time on his farm and working his two favorite horses, Silky and Satin. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed playing golf and traveling to the Gulf Shores, Alabama area. A celebration of life will be held, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 10th at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. A church service will be held, at 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 11th, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for FHN Memorial Hospital and the Freeport School District Community Fund. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com