Leonard Hugh Borgdorff, age 48, of Belleville, MI, died of accidental injuries on Sunday, December 23, 2012. Len adored his wife of 18 years Marcia Deck Borgdorff. Together their home was filled with life and laughter with Olivia, Sonta, Noah and Jean Marc. He will also be greatly missed by his father and mother, Peter and Janet Borgdorff (Grand Rapids); his brother and sisters, Nicholas and Jonna Borgdorff (Chicago, IL) Arlene and Dan DeKam (Muskegon, MI), Trish Borgdorff (Grand Rapids, MI) Andy and Suzi Bos (Grand Rapids, MI); and a special aunt, Dorothy Kuperus. Len was loved by many aunts and uncles. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law Curtis and Joyce Deck (Springfield, MO) and their children, Troy and Juli Deck (Republic, MO) and LaRissa and Josh Newman (Springfield, MO). Len loved to hunt crayfish and play with his children and 17 nieces and nephews. Len graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1982, enlisted in the United States Navy in 1982, was nominated by Congressman Harold Sawyer and Senator Levin for admission to the Naval Academy in 1983 from which he graduated in 1987. Len served as a submariner until his retirement as a Commander in 2009. Len enjoyed camping, boating, golfing and spending time with his wife, children and extended family. In his own words "The funeral of an "old man" is not a time for sorrow. Instead, rejoice in the varied color of my life and in the tremendous variety and texture of this family." Len was deeply loved, sincerely liked, truly unique and will never be forgotten. Visitation will be Saturday, 5-7 PM and Sunday 3-6 PM at David C. Brown Viewing Chapel, 500 E. Huron River Drive, Belleville, MI. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 10 AM at Open Arms Lutheran Church, 7865 Belleville Road, Belleville, MI. with Pastor Jim Richter officiating. Interment will follow in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta Twp., MI, where military honors will be bestowed. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Leonard H. Borgdorff Memorial Fund at God's Littlest Angels In Haiti, 2283 Waynoka Rd. Ste.# A, Colorado Springs, CO 80915. The memorial fund is a scholarship fund for single parent and special needs adoption. Please sign Leonard's on line guestbook and share a memory for his family to treasure at www.davidcbrownfh.com
Published in Grand Rapids Press on December 27, 2012
Loreen Standel
Leonard Borgdorff