MASON CITY — Marie T. Borchardt, 88, of Mason City, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 28, 2026, at her home.
Marie’s life was marked by care for others — first through a long nursing career, and later through volunteer work, church service and the quiet daily acts of kindness she offered to friends, neighbors, parish members and students.
She was born July 15, 1937, in Stacyville, Iowa, to John and Mary Hemann. She graduated from Visitation High School in 1955 before continuing her education at St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in Sioux City and Mason City, graduating in 1958.
Marie began her nursing career at Mitchell County Memorial Hospital in Osage, where she worked for four years. She later spent more than three decades at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, serving as a general duty nurse and then as an obstetrics nurse before retiring in 1994.
On October 28, 1961, Marie married Glenn Borchardt at Visitation Catholic Church. The couple built a life together that grew to include five children: Allen, Theresa, Angela, Julie and Daniel. At the time of her passing, Marie and Glenn had shared 64 years of marriage.
Faith and service remained central throughout Marie’s life. She volunteered at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa, sang in the adult and funeral choirs at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and was active in St. Cecilia circle. She also helped others by offering rides, bringing Holy Communion to residents at The Willows and reading with children at Newman Elementary.
Marie’s hands were rarely idle. She enjoyed making plastic canvas crafts, embroidering dish towels, solving word puzzles, playing cards and recycling greeting cards for the Epiphany Parish Card Ministry. Her memorials were directed to Newman Catholic Schools or the Epiphany Parish Baby Pantry, reflecting the faith, children and community causes that remained close to her heart.
Marie is survived by her husband, Glenn; her children, Al Borchardt of Mason City, Theresa Westphal of Wamego, Kansas, Angie Otten of West Des Moines, Julie Modrell of Urbandale, and Dan Borchardt of Clarksville; along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; several siblings; and grandsons Matthew Otten and Jeffrey Modrell.
A Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026, at Epiphany Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th Street SE in Mason City, with Father David Hemann officiating. Interment followed at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery in Mason City.
Visitation was held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE in Mason City. A Scriptural Wake service began at 6:30 p.m.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel in Mason City is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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