Daniel Borgert, 78

Daniel A Borgert, age 78, Sherman Twp., passed away Sunday, May 8th, 2011 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.   He was born on the family farm in Sherman Twp on December 21, 1932 , a son of Frank and Agnes (McLauchlin) Borgert.  Dan graduated from Centreville High School in 1952, where he participated in baseball, football and basketball. He also played fast pitch softball, and at the age of 50 he and his son, and 2 other dads and their sons played on the same team.  On April 25, 1954 Dan married Lavonne Hamm at the Centreville United Methodist Church.  He was the 3rd generation to farm and live on his great-grandfathers farm. His greatest fondness and passion was farming and in his later years enjoyed riding through the fields, watching crops germinate and mature into harvest. He had many memories to span over the years and thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings which of course included stories of past family events.
Dan attended several different churches. He was a member of the Nottawa School Board for over 20 years, the ASCS Board, he was on the St. Joseph County Conservation committee, and was Farmer of the Year in 1979.  Dan enjoyed golfing and the many friendships and experiences he shared with fellow golfers. He was on Centreville  and Burr Oak golf leagues, and enjoyed playing in special events.  
Surviving Dan are his wife, Lavonne Borgert, Sturgis, son Rod Borgert, Sturgis, sister Lucile (Robert) Robinson, Mendon, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends Jessica Pokorny and Melissa Pokorny, Three Rivers, Ben Rambadt, Sturgis, and Carol Stiteler, Three Rivers.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Frank Borgert, Jr., sisters Frances Frays and Jean Ann McCollum. 
Relatives and friends will be received Wednesday from 6 to 8pm, and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at the Eley Funeral Home in Centreville.  Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 am at the New Hope Community Church on Shimmel Road. Pastor David Peterson and Pastor Clint Zehr will officiate.  Interment will be in Nottawa Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Centreville Baptist Church or to the Kenyan Mission Fund of New Covenant Christian Fellowship. Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.