Friday, January 29th, 2021
Charles Borger
Charles William "Charlie" Borger, age 105, Celina native and former Springfield resident, passed away at Celina Manor on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, just days shy of his 106th birthday.
He was born February 7, 1915, in Celina, to John Joseph & Anna Mary (Hemmelgarn) Borger. In 1944, Charlie married South Dakota native Bessie S. Shultz, and she passed away February 10, 2011.
The last surviving member of his immediate family, Charlie was preceded in death by his six brothers & sisters: Clarence (Ludvina) Borger, Mildred Borger, Ruth Borger, Luke (Mary) Borger and Anna Lee (Norbert) Heckler, and infant brother, Ralph.
Charlie is survived by nieces & nephews: Carl "Butch" Borger, Doris Robinson, Ronald & Donna Heckler and Carol & Steve Bader of Celina, Marie & Bob Gottes of Kettering, Doug & Terri Heckler of Van Wert, Mary Ann & Tony Cremerius and Mary Jean Crenshaw of Memphis, TN and Glen Wurster of Bonita Springs, FL, and many great nieces & nephews.
A 1934 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School, Charlie served as captain of both the school's baseball and basketball teams. The 1932-33 IC basketball team was the first ever from a local school to travel to the state tournament. After high school, he played semi-professional baseball with the Celina Eagles. Charlie enjoyed all sports, and in his younger years, playing golf and fishing.
Drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII, Charlie served overseas. When leaving for the service, his mother gave him a rosary, telling Charlie to always carry it with him. He credits the rosary with saving his life during battles, and Charlie kept that same rosary throughout his lifetime.
Charlie had worked at Mersman Tables in Celina, then after his marriage to Bessie, they relocated to Springfield, where he worked at Springfield Furniture, and for a company that repaired Underwood typewriters. After the owner retired, he purchased the business, which became known as Borger Office Machines, an office machine repair company.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, and while living in Springfield, belonged to St. Raphael Catholic Church. Charlie was active in the Springfield community, receiving an award from the Clark County Senior Volunteer Program for his service.
Charlie and Bessie had traveled extensively, visiting 40 U.S. States, as well as Ireland, England, Canada and Mexico.
Calling is on Saturday, January 30, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Service following at 11:00, Father Tim McFarland, C.PP. S., presiding.
Burial will take place at St. Marys Cemetery in Celina, with graveside military rites conducted by Celina American Legion Post #210 and VFW Post #5713.
Those attending are required to wear masks, practice social distancing by Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health.
Memorial Contributions may be made to State of the Heart Hospice Care or the Immaculate Conception Endowment Fund.
Condolences can be expressed to Charlie's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.
