Michael Borschuk, Jr.

Michael Borschuk Jr., 89, of Sioux City died peacefully Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at Westwood Nursing and Rehab Center, where he had been lovingly cared for during the past 15 months.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Wesley United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Laurice Streyffeler officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Mike was born Feb. 15, 1920, in Sioux City, one of seven children of Michael and Elizabeth (Humza) Borschuk, both of whom were Russian immigrants. Mike graduated in 1939 from Central High School, where he developed a love of sports and all things about the English language. Mike worked as a printer his entire life and for 35 years was foreman of the composing room for Verstegen Printing Company. When Verstegen closed, he was employed by Bolstein Printing Company and Bear Graphics, retiring in 1983.

Mike was an avid sportsman his entire life. He passed on his passion for sports and commitment to good sportsmanship to his three sons through his actions and words, whether in victory or defeat. He enjoyed fishing, played and umpired softball for more than 20 years, and was a fixture at sporting events where his sons and grandchildren competed, knowing he was quietly rooting for them to play to the best of their abilities.

An expert on the rules for softball, baseball, football and basketball, he was a mentor for others in how to play the game fairly, by the rules, and with enthusiasm. Mike emphasized good sportsmanship regardless of the outcome. These principles of fairness were evident in his personal life through his unassuming good nature, dry sense of humor, humility and compassion and respect for others.

Mike's affinity for words and grammar led him to a lifelong interest in crossword puzzles, word games and the nuances of the written and spoken word. For more than 30 years he maintained a daily journal in which he recorded with humor and tongue-in-cheek commentary the significant and unusual events of family members and the community. His journal was used as a teaching tool for a niece's middle school English Composition classes in Illinois.

Mike is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lo Borschuk; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Jackie Biggerstaff and Mike and Janice Borschuk of Sioux City, and Rick and Linda Borschuk of Potomac, Md. He leaves behind seven grandchildren, Brian (Jodi) Biggerstaff of Omaha, Barb (Troy) Young of Sioux City, Jeff Borschuk of Wichita, Kan., Jaime Borschuk of San Francisco, and Zachary, Adrienne and Sam Borschuk of Potomac, Md.; six great-grandchildren, Rachael and Jason Biggerstaff of Sioux Falls, Danica and Trey Young of Sioux City, Austin Taylor of Omaha, and Ryder Dean Borschuk of Wichita; sisters, Alyce Wecker and Betsy Tapper; and brother, Phil Borschuk, all of Sioux City.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Zena LaScala and Mary Yakubowsky; and brother, Jerry Borschuk.