Charles William "Charlie" Borger

Charles William “Charlie” Borger, age 105, a native of Celina and former resident of Springfield, Ohio, passed away at Celina Manor on Wednesday morning, 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 preceded him in death on February 10, 2011.

The last surviving member of his immediate family, Charlie was also preceded in death by his six brothers & sisters: Clarence (Ludvina) Borger, Mildred Borger, Ruth Borger, Luke (Mary) Borger and Anna Lee (Norbert) Heckler, and an infant brother, Ralph. 

Surviving are nieces & nephews: Carl "Butch" Borger, Doris Robinson, Ronald & Donna Heckler and Carol & Steve Bader, all of Celina, Marie & Bob Gottes of Kettering, Doug & Terri Heckler of Van Wert, Mary Ann & Tony Cremerius and Mary Jean Crenshaw of Memphis, Tennessee and Glen Wurster of Bonita Springs, Florida, and many great nieces & nephews.

A 1934 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School, Charlie enjoyed all sports, but particularly basketball and baseball, serving as captain of both his high school 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 playing golf and fishing in his younger years.

During WWII, Charlie was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps, and served overseas.  When he left for the service, his mother gave him a rosary, and told 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.  There 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.

Currently a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, he belonged to St. Raphael Catholic Church while living in Springfield.  Charlie had been active in the Springfield community, receiving an award from the Clark County Senior Volunteer Program for his service.  Charlie and Bessie enjoyed traveling extensively, visiting 40 U.S. States, as well as Ireland, England, Canada and Mexico.

Calling will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, on Saturday, January 30, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Service following at 11:00.  Father Tim McFarland, C.PP.S., is presiding.

Burial will take place at St. Marys Cemetery in Celina, with graveside military rites provided by Celina American Legion Post #210 and VFW Post #5713.

Those attending are required to wear masks, practice social distancing as much as possible, and follow the COVID-19 guidelines established by Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health.

Memorial Contributions may be made to State of the Heart Hospice Care, 1350 N. Broadway St., Greenville 45331 or the Immaculate Conception Endowment Fund, 229 W. Anthony St., Celina 45822.

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