Joseph Martin Borgerding

Born - Sept. 26, 1919 - Baltimore, Maryland

Died - Oct. 20, 2017 - Wheat Ridge, Colorado

Age - 98 years 24 days

Father - Joseph Martin Borgerding

Mother - Rosalia Mulgrew

4 Brothers - Ed/Jack/Frank/Al and 1 sister - MaryJane

Joseph M. Borgerding, age 98, passed away on October 20, 2017. He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mildred L. Borgerding; and his second-oldest son, Edward W. Borgerding. Joseph is survived by his six children, Joseph P. (Bonnie), Joseph M. (Jill), Richard M. (Terri), Robert M. (Debbie), Sharon A. (Jack) Kehm and Christopher L. Borgerding; brother, Jack; sisters-in-law, Betty and Juanita; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other loving family and friends.

Joseph was born 9/26/19 in Baltimore, MD. The oldest of 6 children, 5 boys and 1 girl. He grew up in Baltimore attending Catholic schools until High School where he attended Poly Technical Institute and graduated in 1938. He was quite an athlete - he played basketball, was on the boxing team where is fought in the middle weight championship bout but lost. His best sport was football – he was a tight end, wide receiver and punter. He made the All Maryland football Team in 1937. Upon graduation he had 3 full college scholarships – his parents however refused to allow him to go, he was the oldest and they needed him to go to work to help support the family. This was during the depression, but he was able to get a job at a grocery store at 5 cents an hour. Later he was fortunate enough to get a job with The Glen L. Martin Company building airplanes. He worked for them for 48 years in aerospace management. The Glen L. Martin Company became Lockheed Martin. He was very proud of his work on the external tank for the space shuttle.

On April 14, 1942 he married Mildred Irene Barber. Together they raised 7 children – 6 boys and 1 girl. They were married for 67 years –

Mildred passed away on March 4, 2009.

In 1948 they built their own home and later moved to a 124 acre farm in White Hall, Maryland, - right on the Pennsylvania line. In 1961 they were transferred by the Martin Marietta Company to Littleton, Colorado. In 1974 they were again transferred to Slidell, Louisiana. Then in 1984 they were transferred back to Littleton, Colorado.

Joseph remained a very active person throughout his life. He was on a bowling league; played on the St Mary’s softball team; rode horses with the Ridge Riders Saddle Club; ice skated; hunter; swimmer and of course there was Golf!! He was an avid golfer and played in many golf tournaments. He was also an avid skier and vowed to ski well into his 70’s so he could ski free at Vail, which he did until they changed the age limit.

Joseph was a deeply religious man. After retirement he attended mass every morning. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus with St. Thomas More Church. He devoted countless hours to the Adoration Chapel; was a participant on the prayer line and also a Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of St. Thomas More Church from the first shovel of dirt by Father Fred McCallin.

He loved to watch sports of any kind – football and golf being his favorites. He took a couple ski trip vacations to Europe and wowed us with his stories – especially the way the bartender mixed his martini in Italy.

He lived independently after Mildred passed away. In April of 2017, he fell and broke his right arm. It was then that he entered Sandalwood Nursing Home in Wheat Ridge, where he lived until his death.

Joseph was a very quiet man. He read his bible daily and also said the rosary. He never wanted to hear you say I can’t, because how do you know until you have tried? He was one of the most honest people – once driving 3 miles to return a nickel too much in change. He also would say – if you are nice to people, they will be nice to you.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 pm, Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 S Colorado Blvd., Centennial, CO 80121. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, October 29, 2017 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, with a Celebration of Life Reception to follow at the funeral home. A Committal Service will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, October 20, 2017 at Littleton Cemetery, 6155 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80120.