Stanley A. Borgstrom

Borgstrom, Stanley A. 83, born to Eternal Life August 30, 2008, at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc. Stan was born April 18, 1925, in Woodland, Minnesota to Andrew and Cecelia (nee Svensson) Borgstrom. During the Great Depression they moved to Waukesha. He attended Barstow Grade School and graduated from Waukesha High School in 1943. He entered the Armed Forces July 1943 and was deployed to St. Ives, England in preparation for the D-Day invasion. Stanley was wounded in Saint-Lo, France on July 30, 1944. He received a Purple Heart for his injuries and spent two years recuperating at O'Rielly General Army Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was always grateful for the USO gals and the unknown soldier who carried him off the battlefield. On September 13, 1947 he married Betty Ann Hoffmann who preceded him in death in 1966. He was employed by American Can Company as a machine mechanic for 28 years. After retiring he enjoyed winters in Florida and many vacations to Mexico, the Canary Islands, Alaska, Hawaii, France, England and Sweden. Most recently he traveled to Washington D.C. to take part in the 4th of July celebrations and see the WWII memorial. Very proud of his Swedish heritage, he made several trips to Sweden to visit family. Stan inspired a love of travel in his children and man of his grandchildren. Stan loved to dance, especially a good polka. He was a very active member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 228, DAV Chapter 5, and VFW Post 721. Stanley was named Wisconsin Veteran of the Year in 1988 and served a year as DAV Commander for the State of Wisconsin. Always the enthusiastic patriot, he appeared in many Waukesha area parades as General George Washington. Stan's commitment to the Military Order of the Purple Heart prompted the memberships off all his daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters to join the auxiliary and are very active in his honor. He was a founding member of the 1834 Waukesha History Club, an avid collector of Waukesha memorabilia and breweriana, known to family and friends as "Stan the Can Man." Stanley had a gift for conversation with anyone, anywhere and greatly enjoyed speaking to grade schools in the area, along with his brothers Carl and Clifford, about their experiences serving in different areas of WWII. Asked once by a young boy what he would have said if he had ever seen Hitler up close Stan replied that the meeting would have been very unlikely, but if he had, it would not be a question of what he would have "SAID" to him. Stanley will be forever remembered by daughters Kathleen Bergstrom (friend Greg LeClair Sr), Diane (Ron) Belisle-Reel, Leslie (Dale) Manke and son Andrew (Areeya) Borgstrom; Two brothers: Carl (the late Helen) and Clifford (Nonie) Borgstrom; Grandchildren: Danette (Bunn) Rieckhoff, Dawn (fiance Joe Jesmok) Markley, Bryan Markley, John Belisle, Rhiannon (Wade) Cupkie, and Ericka Manke; Seven great grandchildren: Lisa Marie, Laura, Steven and Lily Rieckhoff, Shannon Markley and Mattie Jesmok, and Gretta Cupkie. Stan will be deeply missed by his special friend and companion Ruth Duhamel with whom he shared many adventures over the last five years. Many friends and family in Sweden will miss his visits. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty Ann, daughter Lisa, infant daughter Jean Marie, and grandson Derek Manke. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, the Les Paul exhibit at the Waukesha Historical Society or The Military Order of the Purple Heart Lt. Gordon Neddersen Chapter 228. Visitation on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, from 4PM until 7PM, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL, 380 Bluemound Rd. (Hwys JJ and J), Waukesha, WI. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at 10AM, at BLESSED TERESA OF CALCUTTA (formerly St. Clare Parish), Hwy 83, North Lake, WI., followed by a Committal at the Chapel of Chimes, Wisconsin Memorial Park , 13235 W Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI. CHURCH AND CHAPEL Rudolph - Larsen Bros. 262-827-0659 Obits - Condolences - Directions www.churchandchapel.com