Elda "Ellie" Wirch Borst

Elda “Ellie” Margaret Wirch was born on September 16, 1919 to Albert Wirch and Matilda Weiss Wirch in Omro, Wisconsin. Albert and Matilda were of German descent and emigrated from Poland. Elda was one of eight children; her siblings, who are now deceased, were Louie, Minnie, Freddy, Wally, Lilian, Oneda and Harold.

In her early years, Elda grew up on a farm and walked quite a distance to school. The small farm included both crops and animals, mainly dairy cows and chickens. During the 8th and 9th grades, she was a pitcher in fast pitch softball and won three league championships. She could throw fastballs and breaking balls.

Elda moved to Kenosha, WI when her father got a job at a local foundry. She graduated in 1937 from Kenosha High School and began working as the Secretary to the purchasing agent with Nash Motors prior to WWII and during WWII, when Nash converted to airplane engine manufacturing. In 1945, she was Secretary to the President of Solar Corporation. In 1947, she worked for a group of Surgeons as their Bookkeeper, Secretary, and Office Manager.

She married the late Duane “Dewey” Ralph Borst in 1947 and after the birth of her first child, Bill, she retired and worked full time at home. Duane and Elda grew their family to include daughters: Nancy and Judy.

Elda was active within her community and was a member of several organizations throughout her life. They include, but are not limited to: being a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher, being active in the League of Women Voters and Infant Welfare, the Downers Grove Village Forum Board of Directors, the First Congregational Church in Downers Grove IL, the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary, being a Volunteer to the Medical Staff of Good Samaritan Hospital, Campaigning for Senator Chuck Percy of Illinois and she even hosted a Reception for Mrs. Percy in her home.

Elda obtained a two-year certificate from DuPage Junior College in Fashion Design; was a member of the Hinsdale Golf Club, Chair of Golf Tournaments, Chairman of the Bridge (Card games) Group at Troon all while filling any free-time with sewing, tennis, bowling, yoga, golf, Fine Art Painting, and Bridge tournaments.

She loved to travel and did so extensively; trips included to the East Coast, West Coast, Colorado, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Germany, Denmark, England, Sweden, Canadian Rockies, Mexico, and touring the Alps.

Reflecting back, her children remember their mother as a good judge of character, being a healthy cook, with an emphasis on nutritional wellness, making popcorn balls at Halloween, her sewing their costumes, her garden of raspberries and chives, her homemade Christmas cookies and well-known chili recipe. Their parents participated in many activities together. Be it many an evening with friends in their home after the children were put to bed, going out dancing and couples golfing.

Elda is survived by her three children: Bill Borst and wife, Friede; Nancy Borst; and Judy Borst Lenneman and husband, Pete; four grandchildren: Laura Borst Pappas and husband Tim, Kelly Borst Ringler and husband James, Alex Lenneman and Clay Lenneman and wife, Kelsea; and three great-grandchildren: Miles and Max Pappas and Oscar Ringler.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 3:00 pm in the Chapel of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary. A Light Reception will follow.

Zoom Meeting ID: 389 927 8620 / Passcode: borst (please remain on Mute). Due to audio issues common within Zoom - a recorded video of the service will be posted through YouTube immediately afterwards as well.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Ellie may be made to the Center for Volunteer Caregiving, the Samaritan’s Purse or Operation Blessing. (Hyperlinks are below under DONATIONS - this will also be where the hyperlink to the video of the service will be found after it is posted through YouTube.)

If you would like to leave a favorite memory/story of Ellie or a message of condolence to her family, you may do so below within "add a memory".