Clifford Charles Benjamin Borgelt

Clifford was born on October 23, 1929, in New Melle, Missouri. He moved to Callaway County in 1942. He graduated from Fulton High School in 1947, and from the University of Missouri (MU) with a BS in Agriculture in 1951. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955.

In high school, Clifford was very active in the FFA – winning the Missouri State Public Speaking contest in 1946 and serving as a State Officer in 1947.

A life-long crop and livestock farmer – he was comfortable with agriculture, but especially enjoyed cattle. He took special care of a farm and always worked to improve the land and farm management – in every way.

Clifford was a resourceful and frugal person – from a very young age he repurposed, reused and recycled things, and looked for value with a dollar. Clifford was generous with his time – giving to the faith and local community - as Sunday school and church leader, North Callaway R-1 school board member and president, regional Co-op board member, Farm Bureau leader, 4-H leader, and with other civic organizations. He served on The Callaway Bank Board of Directors for 40 years. He ran for the Callaway County Commission twice in the 1980s. He was a great mentor, colleague and friend to many.

Always physically active, lean and fit – in retirement, he danced nearly every weekend. He had a wonderful grin and a dry sense of wit and humor. He lived life to the fullest.

Preceded in death by his father, Edgar; mother, Edna; sisters Gladys Linnenbringer and Eileen Smith; wife of 59 years, Mary Ann; and son, Brad.

Surviving are faithful companion, Wanda Mirts; sister, Jayne Boeckelman (Leroy); daughter, Jean Gruenewald (Don); sons, Steve and Dave; granddaughters, Kate Nolte (Bob) and Kara Gruenewald; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Borgelt/Gruenewald family thanks the people at Valley Park Retirement Center and Three Rivers Hospice for the loving and special care given to our father Clifford.

A private family memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a memorial donation to the Clifford and Mary Ann Borgelt Endowment, Heifer Foundation, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 or to a local relief organization of your choice.