Betty Jane Borgwardt, AKA, Betty Boop, age 88, formerly of Manitowoc and Fond du Lac, Wis., passed away Sunday, May 10, 2015, at Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls, Wis.

She was born February 5, 1927, in Fond du Lac, Wis., to the late Arnold and Marguerite (Young) Immel. Betty was a graduate of Fond du Lac High School. On May 29, 1948, she married Howard Carl John Borgwardt. Betty held various jobs throughout her life including working for the phone company in Milwaukee, head bookkeeper at Kohl's Department Store in Milwaukee, and she was in charge of the Nutrition Center at the Shopko Store in Manitowoc. She also assisted the elderly in their homes. Betty's dream came true when she and her husband opened and ran "Elizabeth House" in Fond du Lac. This was a three story home they fixed up and housed five elderly people. Betty took care of all of their needs. Betty was a happy, strong, intelligent, talented, woman with a positive attitude who loved helping others. She was a fantastic gardener, loved bowling, golf, and tennis. Above all else her biggest accomplishment was being a loving mother to her five children. When getting together with her sister, Mary Lou, they would sing up a storm, harmonizing and entertaining everyone. Her granddaughter, Taylor said, "she turned every situation into a song." Betty lived with and was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Linda and her husband, Bill for two and a half years in Whitewater, Wis., before moving North to be near her daughter, Diane and her husband, Art. Betty's smile and wit were enjoyed by everyone she met.

Survivors include five children: Terry Borgwardt and wife, Julia of Epworth, Iowa; Linda Borgwardt and her husband, Bill Ciesinski of Whitewater, Wis.; Randall Borgwardt of Manitowoc, Wis.; Diane Borgwardt and her husband, Art Pierce of Ettrick, Wis.; and Brett Borgwardt and wife, Josie of Sheboygan, Wis.; nine grandchildren: Kristin, Laura, Christian, Tyler, Meghan, Jenna, Jared, Jordan, and Taylor; two step-grandchildren, Sarah and Sam; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Shirley (Howard) Schmill. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband Howard on Aug. 22, 2003; and her siblings, Calvin, Leeland, and Roland Immel and Mary (Roger) Solberg, and Irene (Clarence) Shafrik.

A Life Celebration Social will be held for relatives and friends on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. led by Rev. Robert Kujawski from Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church where Betty had formerly been a member.

The family would like to give a big thank you to all of the staff at Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls for taking such wonderful care of Betty. Special thanks to Aunt Shirley and Laura for the generosity and time they gave Betty which allowed her to stay at home. Also love and gratitude to Bill and Art for the love, tenderness, and support so generously given to Betty.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.