Lawrence J. “Larry” Borer
NORFOLK - Lawrence J. “Larry” Borer, 81, Norfolk, formerly of Elgin, died March 31, 2021, at the Norfolk Veterans NE.
A Mass of Christian Burial was April 6 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Elgin, with Fr. John Hagemann officiating.
Burial followed at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Petersburg, with military rites conducted by American Legion Post #229 and VFW Post #5816, Elgin, and the American Legion Riders.
Visitation and a wake service were Monday at St. Boniface Catholic Church. A recording of Larry’s service will be available to be viewed on his obituary page at www.levanderfuneralhome.com. Masks were requested to be worn at both the visitation and funeral service.
Levander Funeral Home of Elgin is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com
Lawrence James “Larry” Borer, the youngest son of Joseph and Antonette (Beierman) Borer, was born at Albion. Larry attended school through the eighth grade at St. John the Baptist Catholic School, Petersburg. Larry then began farming and shocking grain for his brothers. He was inducted into the U.S. Army Nov. 4, 1958, and served until his honorable discharge Oct. 18, 1960. Following his military service, Larry worked at Behlen Manufacturing, Columbus, to support his farming habit.
Larry married Helen Ann Ketteler at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Petersburg, Sept. 12, 1961. The couple farmed and raised their family in the Petersburg area. In 1985, Larry and Helen moved to Elgin. Larry then worked at the local Co-Op, now known as Central Valley Ag and later for Pillen Family Farms.
Larry was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Petersburg and later St. Boniface Catholic Church in Elgin. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and was very involved in the starting of the Elgin Pope John Booster Club. Larry enjoyed many sports including: bowling, softball, Professional Bull Riding, and horse racing. He and Helen also enjoyed organizing family reunions for both sides of the family. Most of all, Larry enjoyed being with family and socializing. He was never too busy to visit with someone.
Larry is survived by four children: Jeff (Val) Borer, Norfolk; Brian (Donna) Borer, Lawton, Okla.; Jolene (Matt) Weinandt, Wynot; Les (Rachelle) Borer, Norfolk; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers-in-law, Henry (Marilyn) Ketteler, Petersburg; Jim (Rosemary) Ketteler, Atkinson; sister-in-law, Carol Borer, Auburn, Ind.; as well as nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen, March 2020; brothers, Vic (Ann) Borer, Dennis (Mildred) Borer, Roman (Willa) Borer, Gerald Borer and Joe Borer; sisters, Rita (Jim) Daly, Sally (Al) Hagemann, June (Bud) Simons, Claire (husbands, Stanley Simons and Mel Pelster) Pelster and Bernadine (Lawrence) Spieker.