Craig Ervin Borchardt

Craig Ervin Borchardt

Marengo

Craig Ervin Borchardt, age 73, died at his home in Marengo, Iowa on August 31st, 2022 of natural causes. He was born May 6, 1949 to Ervin and Lois Borchardt of Fenton, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Lois, and his loving wife Sharon. He is survived by three brothers: Brian Borchardt, Max and wife Marlene Borchardt, Brent Borchardt and partner Debra Mishak. He is survived by four children: Nova Olson and husband Scott, Matthew Borchardt and wife Nicole, Betsy Rose Borchardt, and stepdaughter Jeannie Matlick. In addition, he is survived by many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Craig was grateful to have worked as a welder for Kinze Manufacturing for many years. He spoke of how Kinze went above and beyond in supporting him following a motorcycle accident.

Craig was a gifted storyteller with an ability to recall details that brought his stories to life. His love of all things motorcycle began at age four when a neighbor rode past the farmhouse where he grew up. That love for motorcycles lasted his whole life. He was an avid reader and loved to listen to music, especially Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, which he never grew tired of. "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" was one of his favorite books and served as inspiration for his own extensive motorcycle travels throughout the United States. With a pack on the back of his motorcycle, his travels took him to Illinois, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington State, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and of course, all over Iowa. He loved the wide-open spaces and lore of the Old West.

Craig was a kind hearted, gentle and generous man. In his final years, he often spoke of how lucky he was to have grown up on a farm with a loving family and neighbors.

Memorial Services will be at a future date. Condolences can be sent to: 4815 F Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405.