Louis “Lou” Edward Borth was born in Burlington on Sept. 20, 1950. He was the son of the late Doris and Matthew Borth. Lou lost his year-long battle with cancer on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, and died peacefully with his wife of 43 years Kathleen (Kelly) Borth and son Matthew Borth at this side.
As one person described him, “better men were never made.” Lou was a great friend and mentor to so many, described as a super guy offering warmth and wisdom that left a lasting impact on everyone privileged to know him. He had a genuine way of making people feel valued and loved. He was a spiritual man who converted to Catholicism, became a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and served his St. Paul Catholic Church parish in many capacities. Lou was honored in 2019 as a founding member of Honor Flight of Columbus, fundraising and accompanying many veterans on numerous flights to our nation’s capital in honor of their service to our country. He also achieved the status of a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Lou was a U.S. Marine veteran, 1st Marine Airwing in the Vietnam conflict serving in Danang.
When Lou met his wife Kelly, he was working for Culligan International as a District Sales Trainer for Ohio. He later purchased a dealership in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. After exiting the Culligan business, he pursued his photography hobby and bought into an existing commercial photography business, PictureAmerica, which he sold when he retired.
Lou loved being on his land and at his cabin in Tomahawk and had wonderful memories there with so many special friends. Lou was able to travel to many parts of the world. He had many hobbies and loved the outdoors. Most importantly, he felt he lived a wonderful life.
Lou was blessed with many loving family members including his wife Kelly; son Matthew (Julie); grandchildren Madilyn, Henry and Reed Borth; sister Diana Borth (deceased), sister Emily (husband Frank deceased) Mayer and her sons Franklin (Monica) and their family, and Ted (Susan) Mayer and their family; sister LeeAnn (Torrey) Heistad and their daughters Ann (Jeff) Heistad-Johnson and their family and Jennifer Heistad; mother- and father-in-law Wayne and JoAnn Masters (deceased); brothers-in-law David (Barbara) Masters and their family, Daniel (Najat) Masters and their family, Alan (Karen) Masters and their family, and Brian Masters (partner Eric), and others. Lou has many friends who came to see him during his illness, sent cards and text messages, emails and called. That meant the world to Lou, and he saved each card and cherished everyone’s well wishes. Lou had numerous friends and was loved by so many that we cannot list them all here. We want to give special recognition to Francis Haizel-Cobbina, who is like family to us having taken care of Lou since his illness began and special friends Larry and Debbie Schunk, Herb and Marge Morrow, and Derry Johnson who visited Lou often and helped him in his time of need. We thank the Kobacker House team for making our last days with Lou comfortable and memorable. Our family is thankful that Lou is at peace with our Lord and Savior.
Arrangements for a Catholic Mass and Christian burial, along with Marine Corps honors is being planned at a future date in Wisconsin.
In honor of Lou’s memory, a memorial contribution can be made to Saint Gabriel Catholic Radio (www.stgabrielradio.com), a cause that was important to Lou. God bless this special man and all who loved him.
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