Carl James Bordner

Carl James Bordner, 97, formerly of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Sarasota, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the DeSoto Health and Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Arcadia, Florida.

Carl was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on April 21, 1928, to Marjorie and Conde Bordner. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

He is survived by his current wife, Elaine Bordner, Sarasota, Florida; brother, Richard Bordner, Orlando, Florida; 3 sons, Ron (Jayne), Venice, Florida, Larry, Sarasota, Florida, Gary (Grace), Arcadia Florida; 6 grandchildren, Jeff (Suzanne), Kevin, Jennifer, Brian (Jennifer), Kimberly (Scott), Tesla (Taylor); 17 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and lifelong family friend, Betty Wolfe, Lynchburg, Virginia.

Carl made a living as a draftsman and worked in supervision for the Eaton Corporation in Marshall, Michigan, and Charlotte, South Carolina. After moving to Florida, he owned and operated Ken's Fish Camp and the Crescent Beach Snack Stand on Siesta Key, Florida.

Carl always played an active part in the lives of his sons, coaching nearly all their sports. He was especially active at the Midway Skating Rink in Battle Creek. He pursued many hobbies ranging from taxidermy, scuba diving, treasure hunting, chess, researching the history of old Florida forts, and painting, but his longest lasting interest was wood carving. He served the Sarasota Gulf Coast Carving Guild from 1993-2020 where he served in many positions including president, as well as conducting carving classes. The efforts of the wood carving club over its 50-year span yielded over 2 million dollars for the Sarasota Boys and Girls Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Conde and Marjorie; first wife, Gladys; grandson, Jason; sisters, Florence, Bernice, Velma, Marion, and brother, Merle, as well as siblings, Conde, Jr., Marilyn, and Thelma (who died as children).

Visitation will be at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park on Thursday, April 9, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., followed by the service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at Sarasota Memorial Park, Sarasota, Florida at 1:30 p.m.