Larry Alfred Borcherding

Larry Alfred Borcherding, 85, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 4, 2026, following a courageous 6+ year battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS, or blood cancer) and related health complications. Larry faced every challenge with strength, optimism, and the mantra he adopted from his dear friend and fraternity brother, George Tiller: “Attitude is Everything.” He wore the bracelet bearing those words every day.

Larry was born in New Hampton, Iowa, on July 10, 1941, to Alfred and Ora Borcherding. His life was spent across the Midwest, including time in Wadsworth, Ohio; the family farm in Sumner, Iowa; stops in Minnesota; then onto Kansas City, Missouri. After college: Atchison, Olathe, Leawood, and eventually Overland Park, Kansas became home.

He graduated from Southwest High School in 1959 and was subsequently a proud member of the “famous” Delta Chi pledge class of 1959 while attending the University of Kansas. For many years, he remained deeply involved with the Kansas chapter’s Kimball Educational Foundation and Alumni Board of Trustees. These relationships meant the world to him—providing laughter, camaraderie, and strength throughout his life.

Larry earned his degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas in 1963 and served on the KC chapter of the KU Alumni Board for several terms. He also proudly served in the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard, stationed at Rosecrans Air Force Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, until his discharge in May 1969.

On June 20, 1964, Larry married the love of his life, Serean Joyce Griesel, whom he met at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Kansas City. Their marriage spanned 58 years, built on friendship and devotion. They were the first couple married in the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.

Larry began his career at Southwestern Bell in Atchison, Kansas, before quickly becoming an independent manufacturers’ representative for Industrial Chemical Labs, Inc., (later acquired by Rochester Midland, Inc.) He later served as Regional Manager for Rochester Midland, and in 1994 became President of Century Labs in Kansas City. His charisma, integrity, and dedication earned him lifelong friendships with colleagues, vendors, and customers. He was the consummate salesman—proud of his craft and energized by every relationship he built.

Larry was at his very best in any group setting — having never met a stranger — and was always ready with a joke, a warm laugh, and an endless string of stories. His presence filled every room, and his ability to connect with people was one of his greatest gifts. After retiring from the janitorial/sanitation industry— amongst family, fondly known as “Mr. Clean”— Larry pursued his long-held dream of becoming a real estate agent. He worked with multiple agencies in Kansas City and at the Lake of the Ozarks, helping dozens of families find their dream homes.

The Lake of the Ozarks was Larry’s sanctuary. He and Serean owned lake homes during two cherished periods: 1978–1989 and 1999–2016. Larry loved boating, tackling endless DIY projects, and entertaining with friends and neighbors. The Lake was where he found peace—surrounded by water, laughter, and the people he loved.

Together, Larry and Serean raised two sons—Doug and Mark—who were their pride and joy. His legacy lives on in his boys through the lessons he taught, the opportunities he created for them, and the unwavering love he poured into his family.

Larry will be remembered for his warmth, humor, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. His sparkling personality, sentimental spirit, and ability to make everyone feel valued will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

His story is one of courage, love, and a life lived with purpose. His family takes comfort knowing he is reunited with Serean, the love of his life. He will be deeply missed.

Larry is survived by his sons:

Doug Borcherding and his wife Jane, and their daughters Rachel Serean Spicer (Grant), Audrey Jeanette Borcherding, and Anna Christine Borcherding

Mark Borcherding and his wife Jessica Kruse (Borcherding), and their children Drew Michael Borcherding, Clayton Kruse, Blake Kruse, and Brooke Kruse.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Serean (2022); his parents, Alfred and Ora; his brother, Harlan; and his sister, Sandra Henry (2026).

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 17, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection 9100 Mission Road Prairie Village, KS 66206

Following the service, the family invites guests to a reception from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. in Larry’s honor at The Brass Room – Prairie Fire Complex 5501 W 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66224 (The Brass Room! - The Brass Onion)

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the MDS Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated entirely to Myelodysplastic Syndromes. The foundation supports patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals through education, advocacy, and research. Make a Donation Today | MDS Foundation