Albert Frederick Borchardt

January 5, 1937 - May 19, 2018
Albert Frederick Borchardt

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Albert Frederick Borchardt, 81, of Mills River passed away peacefully Saturday, May 19, 2018, surrounded by his family after a long and brave battle with cancer.
Al was born to parents, Frederick and Elda, on January 5, 1937, in Fairmont, MN. Al enlisted in the United States Army Reserves November 8, 1954, and joined the United States Air Force July 18, 1955, and served his country with honor for 30 years, 8 months and 23 days, retiring in 1985 as a Senior Master Sergeant. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was stationed in America and Europe.
Al married his devoted wife Lynn in 1978 and they had two children. Lynn stood by his side every step of the way and they were looking forward to celebrating 40 years of marriage in June. He loved God, his country, his family and was a gentle and kind man.
Al is survived by his loving wife, Lynn; daughters, Bernice Allen (Doug) of Orlando, FL and Melissa Borchardt (Kathy Silva) of Candler, NC; granddaughters, Grace and Rebecca Allen of Orlando, FL; and sister, Shirley Bixenstine of Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother James Henry (Jim).
Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 am Friday, May 25, 2018 in the Shuler Funeral Home Chapel. Tom Vallie will officiate. Military honors will be rendered by the Shaw Air Force Honor Guard.
The family is grateful for the condolences and in lieu of flowers would appreciate donations to Four-Seasons Hospice who took such great care of Al and family during his final days. Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. The family would also like to thank the kind staff at the Cancer Center at Pardee Hospital.


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  • May 22, 2018
    Mike and Vicki Borchardt says:
    "Big Al" indeed! Polite, curious, gentle person who could fill a room with his presence. Our sincerest condolences go to you Lyn, Bernice, Melissa, Doug, Kathy and girls. Peace and strength. Love Mike and Vicki.

  • May 22, 2018
    Lowell Nielsen says:
    Al and I enlisted in the U.S.A.F. in the middle 50's from our home state of MN. We met later during our tour in Ramstein AFB in the middle 60's as young Staff Sgts assigned to the 526th flying Sq. Workload Control. I retired after 20 years and Al put in another 10 years or so. Somehow we reconnected during the 2000's and started to communicate through Christmas cards and later on Facebook. My Condolences to his family. Fly high Al, fly high!

  • May 22, 2018
    Sarah & Richard Gubbins says:
    Al a truly lovely gentleman and one we have been proud to have known. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time.

  • May 22, 2018
    Mark and Cindy says:
    Praying for this family at this time of the loss of a Husband, Father and Grandfather! This is a special family and loved this man very much! I know he was a fighter with this on going battle and will be missed by his family and friends very much! RIP and one day we will meet again.

  • May 25, 2018
    Phil and Karen Farmer says:
    Big Al...wonderful sweet caring man who always answered his phone with, "Hello, you alright?" Just a small sign of how he put others first. Blessings to all his wonderful family. Lynn, Bernice, Doug, the girls, Melissa, Kathy, and the rest in Minnesota and England. He did make the world a better place.