Kathryn Borgwardt beloved daughter, sister, aunt, teacher and friend, passed away at 78 years old on July 10th, 2026. She was born on June 10th, 1948 in Madison, WI, daughter of Robert Borgwardt and Ruth Fossum. Kathy graduated from UW Madison with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She began her career at Thoreau Elementary in Madison, where she retired after 30 years of teaching her students with compassion, respect, and thoughtfulness.

Kathy loved to create beauty in the world around her, and did so with an artist's eye for color and design. She hosted wonderful parties at the three beautiful homes she owned over the years, decorating them with style and an ‘Aunt Kathy’ flair. Everyone looked forward to great food and fun at her house.

She was loved by her parents, her stepmom Joan Borgwardt Halverson, her four siblings John [Judy] Borgwardt, Steve [Joanne] Borgwardt, Anne [Dave] Conlin, Eric Borgwardt, and her great friends. She was adored by her nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She will be so missed, but we will continue, inspired by her strength and her abundant love.

A private family service was held celebrating Kathy’s life. In lieu of flowers to honor her, please consider a charity of your choice, Agrace Hospice, or the Dane County Humane Society.

Please share your memories below in the online guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434