SUMNER — Lois J. Borcherding, 92, a lifelong Sumner resident whose life was marked by faith, community service, music and devotion to her family, died Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Cobblestone Court Assisted Living in Sumner.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, at Cobblestone Court Assisted Living, 3187 140th Street in Sumner, with Hugh McIntosh officiating. Visitation will be held at Cobblestone from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Interment will follow the service at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Sumner.
Born May 4, 1934, in Sumner, Lois was the daughter of Paul and Emma Klemp Niemann. According to her obituary, she was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church and graduated from Sumner High School in 1952. During her school years, she participated in music and arts activities and served as a cheerleader.
Lois married Merlin “Curly” Borcherding on August 2, 1953, at St. John Lutheran Church. They became the parents of three daughters: Beth, Brenda and Pat.
Her obituary notes that Lois was a co-owner of Paul Niemann Construction Company and dedicated many years to serving the Sumner community. Her contributions included working as secretary of the Sumner American Legion, participating in the American Legion Auxiliary, delivering Meals on Wheels and assisting the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was also involved with community theater and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Faith and music remained important throughout her life. A lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Lois participated in Church Circle, sang in the church choir and played in the bell choir.
Lois was an enthusiastic Iowa Hawkeyes supporter who enjoyed attending football and basketball games. She also loved playing cards, singing, listening to music and indulging her fondness for chocolate.
During her years at Cobblestone Court, Lois eagerly joined in activities and especially enjoyed visits to the Sumner Daycare and Learning Center. Above all, her obituary says, she treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was delighted to become a great-great-grandmother.
Lois is survived by her daughters, Beth (Dan) Koch of Waterloo, Brenda Meier of Sumner and Pat (Bob) Munson of Grundy Center; five grandsons; seven great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; brother-in-law James (Glenda) Borcherding of Bettendorf; sister-in-law Sue Niemann of Urbana; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin “Curly” Borcherding; her parents; son-in-law Delwin Meier; brother James Niemann; sister Marilyn Niemann; and other relatives.
Memorial contributions may be made in Lois’ name to Cobblestone Court Assisted Living, the Sumner Daycare and Learning Center, Sumner Emergency Medical Services or the Sumner Volunteer Fire Department.
Becker & Son Funeral Homes is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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