Michelle Borger
June 13, 1958 ~ May 6, 2023
Michelle Borger, a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and educator, passed from this world on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the age of 64. Michelle lived a life full of love, laughter, faith, family, and service to others. She had a huge infectious smile and personality that impacted all who knew her.
Michelle was born and raised in McPherson, Kansas, daughter to Paul and Arrah Harden. She graduated from McPherson High School in 1976 and left home to attend MidAmerica Nazarene College. At MANC, she met many lifelong friends, including the love of her life, Daniel Borger.She graduated in 1980 with a degree in Christian Education.
Dan and Michelle were married on September 6th, 1980, and started their family with the birth of son Aaron in 1981. Michelle supported and ministered alongside Dan in children’s, youth, and congregational ministry over the following 15 years. They were blessed with the birth of four additional sons in Jonathan, Jared, Matthew, and Timothy. Michelle loved cooking for and caring for her loud and rambunctious family of boys.
The family settled back in McPherson, KS in 1997 where the boys attended school and Michelle began preparing for a career in special education. Over the course of the following 25 years, Michelle embarked on an outstanding career as an educator. She taught, loved on, and advocated for thousands of students in that time period. Michelle retired from education in 2022 but was daily thinking of ways to get back into the classroom and impact the lives of students.
Michelle loved reading, playing games with family, watching sports, traveling, and spoiling her grandkids. She loved to travel to NYC and spend time with her best friend Debbie. She cherished her long drives with Dan spent eating, talking, and dreaming.
Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but her memory will live on. She leaves behind a legacy in her family and students that will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Memorial Service will be at 3:00 pm, Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Lawrence Bible Chapel, 505 Monterey Way, Lawrence, KS 66049. Flower arrangements in remembrance of Michelle will need to be delivered to the church, Lawrence Bible Chapel, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, in the morning. Preceded in death by parents, Paul and Arrah Harden; sister, Bonnie Hice. Survived by husband, Daniel Borger of Hartford, KS; sons, Aaron Borger, Jonathan (Tabitha) Borger, Jared (Monica) Borger, Matthew (Rachel) Borger, Timothy Borger; nine grandchildren; sister-in-life, Debbie Buxton. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel.
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Michelle had a heart for all of her students. She and I worked together at McPherson Middle Schhols in the BD program. She went on to finish her schooling and I have no doubt she was an amazing teacher! She was also a great cook. She shared her hot chicken salad recipe. It always makes me think of her! She had a deep love for her husband and loved and was so proud of each of her boys. I can only imagine how much she loved and doted on her grand babies! I know she loved the Lord and is dancing on the streets of gold! May your precious memories comfort you, until you are reunited in Heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Jo, thank you so much.
When we have driven through Galva, she always had me take a loop and remind me where her friend Jo lives.
I was so saddened to hear of Michelle’s passing. I really enjoyed her as a colleague at Stony Point South. She was dedicated to her students, and had a great sense of humor. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend her service as we will be out of town.
Nancy Jensen
Thank you Nancy. Michelle respected you as an educator and friend.
Im so sad to hear this news about Michelle. She was a true friend in college at MNU. We sang together in Circuit Riders (a traveling singing and ministry team). We had so many fun times lots of laughter and many tears and growing closer to God! Im praying her family will be touched & comforted by God knowing how much she was loved my me and others!
Thank you Lori, Dan
Dan, Aaron, Jonathan, Jared, Matthew and Tim
I want you to know how sorry I am of your loss of Michelle. She truly loved all of you and was so proud of all your accomplishments. We would always talk about you guys when we rode to school together. Please know that you all are in my prayers.
Terri, Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. -Dan
Michelle and I worked closely together at ME Pearson. She was a wonderful teacher and teammate, I feel so blessed to have known her and learned from her. She made a huge impact on her students and colleagues. I’m sending love and prayers to her family & friends… She will be missed immensely!
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We loved Michelle , she was a joy to know and love. We sang together in Circuit Riders ,a group at Mid America Nazarene University , now she’s singing in Gods choir!
Sara, Thank you so much. Dan
Ill always think of Michelle as Aunt Mickey.My Gma her mother and my mother Bonnie were pregnant at the same time with Mickey and Steve so she is 2 years younger than me but still AUNT.we
spent a lot of time together in summer and Christmas .We didn’t see much of each other as our lives were growing in school marriages and children.Gma ARRAH loved those boys of Mickeys so much .So sorry to hear about Mickey.I hope y’all will be comforted by all the memories you have of her.God be with you at this time.
Jane, Thank you so much. Michelle thought of you often and loved you. Dan
Michelle was a MANCollege Friend. Such a kind, joyful soul. Her smile brightened the room when she entered. If you didnt SEE her come in, you HEARD her come in. RiP Michelle.
Thank you, Vicki. Michelle often remembered playing volleyball. You were a good part of those memories. Dan
Dan and Family,
May God wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you during this time. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark, Thank you so much. Dan
I have been blessed to know Michelle for the last 15 years. I am thankful for her life- for her great sense of humor and her generosity of spirit; for her tender heart and competitiveness.
I am thankful for her 5 sons, especially the one who is my son, too.
I got to witness what a great teacher she was when she tutored my boys during their middle and high school years, helping equip them to succeed in college and beyond.
My heart breaks when I think of all her family has lost.
Praying that you sense the closeness of the Lord to the broken-hearted.
Leigh
Leigh, Thank you. Dan
I know she will be missed greatly by friends & family! When Josh told us, we were all deeply saddened. Aaron, we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts & prayers. May God comfort you all during this time!
Michelle – we met at age 18 as freshmen in college and became fast friends then family. My sister in life. Such a privilege to share life’s joys and the less than joyous times too with her too. She was always there – through it all. And she and Dan did me the great favor of having 5 wonderful boys who are my nephews! – full of fun – sometimes singing – often loud! Sometimes hanging from trees – and always full of love. When Joey came into our lives she became Aunt Micki to Joey – she loved him from the first time she met him. She will be forever missed and forever loved.