Raymond Lester Borchers, 101, Lincoln, passed away Aug. 17, 2017.
Survived by son Marc (Barbara) of Tampa, FL, daughter Sonja Breen of Pueblo, CO, son Philip (Deborah) of Pueblo CO, grandson Nathaniel (Crystal) of Portland, OR, and great grandchildren, Lincoln and Denley. Preceded in death by wife, Margaret Borg-Breen. Raymond was born April 13, 1916, on a farm near Juniata, Nebraska, to Henry and Mary (Jacobitz) Borchers. He graduated from Kenesaw High School in 1933, the University of Nebraska Kearney in 1938, and the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1942 with a doctorate in biochemistry. He taught at Creighton Medical School from 1942 to 1945 and rose to full professorship at the University of Nebraska Lincoln from 1945 to 1981. During his career he conducted extensive research on the protein content of soybeans, supervised numerous graduate students, and chaired the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition.
Private family service with inurnment at Fairview Cemetery.
My condolences at the passing of Ray. I knew him during my college days at UN-L, when I was organist at the Lutheran Student Center 1970+, where he was on the Board of the Lutheran Center and served as President. We appreciated his fine leadership. May God Be With You All at this time of your loss. Sincerely. Carol Meyer
My deepest condolences on the loss of Ray. I have not seen him for many years but was always engaged by his vigor and many interests. Margaret was a co-worker and dear friend for many years and they were a stimulating couple.
Marc, Sonia and Phil,
When we came to Lincoln and the Department of Biochemistry in 1959, Dick was fresh out of grad school, Ray soon became chair of the department, and Lois started teaching at Bethany School. (Phil, I think you were in 5th grade at Bethany, then.) Your parents were gracious hosts and became good friends over the years. We shared many wonderful dinners and discussion about books, religion and travel over the years. He was, indeed, a kind man, good friend and mentor.
Darlene and I were saddened to learn of Ray’s passing and although we had not kept in touch after he retired, we have fond memories of both Ray and Margaret. When Ray was Department Head we had considerable contact with both.
After he retired, I recall, he used his expertise to aid some of the poorer countries in the Caribbean, particularly in regards to nutrition. And he had a somewhat novel hobby of mapping out old train tracks in Colorado. Knowing Ray had such a long and productive life takes some of the sadness out of his passing. We send our deepest sympathy to you folks, his family.
Carole and I were saddened to hear of Ray’s passing on our trip home after having dinner with Nat and Crystal near Eugene, Oregon. I met Ray when I started at the University in 1959. The last time I saw him was in the 90’s at my aunt’s funeral. He was Dad’s cousin. Ray was the last one in his generation. In the late 80’s I had a nice visit with him when I was researching the Borchers family. Our sympathy goes to the his family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Raymond was our Dad’s cousin. Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Sorry to hear about Raymond’s passing. Met him at UNL and remember my grandfather and his siblings would talk about their cousins. Wish I could have known him better, I didn’t realize Raymond was a board member at the Lutheran Center. He blessed us with scholastics and faith! God Bless you all.