Russell Borkowski

Russell Borkowski, 69, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at Hospice House, Hiawatha, surrounded by his loving family after a noble battle with lung cancer. Gathering of Family and Friends: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. A Celebration of Life will also take place from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at CJ's Sports Bar & Grille, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include his treasured wife, Nancy; son, Tracy (Tami) Borkowski; daughters, Angie (Todd) Baker and Annie (Mark) Beasley; step-children, Denise (Gary) Johnson and Jody Glubka (Holly); grandchildren, Tyler (Lyndsey) Blaha, Jordan, and Justin Borkowski (Kiley), Nick (Kendall) Baker, Ericka (Max) Ramsey, and Jarrett Baker; step-grandchildren, Nick Honken, Minera (William) Williams, Gary Jr., and Neshown BenSaad; brothers, Gary (Marilyn) and Alan (Lois) Borkowski; sister, Cheryl (Jon) Noller; nine great-grandchildren plus two on the way; and many extended family members and friends. Russell Leroy Borkowski was born February 18, 1947, in Audubon, Iowa, to Dalton and Edna (Burns) Borkowski. Russell moved to Cedar Rapids in 1967. He worked for Wilson Foods/ Farmstead as a food handler until their closure, then began his own business as a roofer and painter. He married Nancy Beltram on July 17, 1993, in their living room due to the flood. He was a hard worker, put family first, and taught his kids to have a great work ethic and to be respectful. Russell was an avid Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. He loved his grandkids and great-grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them, and will be missed by all who loved him. Russell was preceded in death by his parents; son, Matthew; and mother-in-law, Grace Fielder. Memorials may be directed to Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, Hospice House of Mercy, or the Sisters of Mercy. Russell's family would like to thank everyone who graciously helped with his care, especially Darcie, Joel, and Penny at Hospice House; Dr. Woods, Nichole, Heidi, Holly, and Erin at Hall-Perrine Cancer Center.