James “Jim” Borlen, age 79 of Clintonville passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at his home.
James Joseph Borlen was born on October 10, 1942 in Hartford, Wisconsin, to Anthony and Jannette (Schafer) Borlen. He attended Hartford High School for his freshman and sophomore years. In 1959 his family moved to a dairy farm in Clintonville, and he graduated from Clintonville High School in 1961. Jim was united in marriage on August 28, 1965 to Veronica R. Letter at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Isaar. The couple dairy farmed in Clintonville for many years. In 1978, he started “Borlen’s Custom Combining” helping farmers all around the area and in 1986 they moved to their current residence in the Town of Bear Creek. Jim also worked part-time for some years delivering new fire trucks for Seagrave Fire Apparatus in Clintonville. He was employed for close to 10 years driving truck for Marion Body Works as well. Jim was a longtime member of St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville, and he liked to volunteer with the Green Bay Packer concession stand fundraisers. He also served on the Clintonville Public School Board for 10 years. In his early years, Jim was a member of Truck City Riders Snowmobile Club and he helped with grooming the trails. Jim, along with his nephew Dennis Roe, generously donated their time, talent, and hay to help drought-stricken parts of Kansas. Jim really enjoyed meeting people and made friends with all the farmers who he combined for. After a hard day’s work, he liked to go for a drive with his wife to “check the crops” as he called it, and they would often be seen at local ice cream places or sitting in the truck watching a beautiful sunset.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Veronica; and two children, Mark (Shelly) Borlen of Clintonville and Marie (Tom) Gorman of Manawa. There are five grandchildren: Jesse Borlen, Stephanie Borlen, Peter Gorman, Emma Gorman, and Hanna Gorman. He is further survived by his twin brother, Jerome Borlen of Florida, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Justine (Bob) Roe-Sasse.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville. Fr. Timothy Shillcox, O. Praem officiated and burial followed in the parish cemetery. Visitation was held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Memorials are preferred to St. Rose and St. Mary’s Catholic School. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting with the arrangements. Please go to www.beil-didier.com to sign the online guestbook or to send a card.
Our family wishes to thank all those who loved and cared for Jim during his time on hospice.