Age 82, of Inver Grove Heights.
Merle left behind the tragedy of dementia and Parkinson’s on Sunday, October 29, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Lynda Borchers, and son, Kevin Borchers. Also survived by sister-in-law Linda (Jerry) Freeberg, niece Linda (Michael) Lane, nephews Brian (Lori) Borchers and Mark (Kate) Zellers, and other extended relatives, especially Karie Vincent. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvin and Olinda Borchers, brother Alden Borchers and his wife Ruth, brother-in-law Gerald “Jerry” Freeberg, and sister-in-law Kathy Zellers.
Merle began his life as a Nebraska farm boy, eventually finding his way to Minnesota and a career in banking. He spent several decades in commercial banking for Northwestern National Bank, rebranded Norwest, with an early focus on loans for growing businesses. He found great satisfaction in the second half of his career at the National Cooperative Bank and then at Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund, helping cooperatives and not-for-profit businesses.
In the 1990s, Merle embraced Native American spirituality along with Christianity through Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies. After completing Harner’s Certified Shamanic Counselor training program, Merle gave back to people needing healing through Shamanic Drumming. He volunteered through Pathways in Minneapolis, a charitable non-profit center for those who need physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. His wife Lynda also volunteered her own services with Pathways as a psychologist and teacher in mind/body holistic therapies. Together, they devoted much of their time to giving back to the community.
Upon retirement, Merle put down financial statements and picked up a paintbrush and canvas. His childhood artistic talents, quieted during his career, blossomed through art classes as he developed his style, beginning with pencil and charcoal drawings, then working with pastels, and finally, oil and acrylic paintings. He delighted in producing scenes from the backyard of Lynda and his home, which had a pond out back. Many critters visited their residence to fatten up year-round, ending up as subjects in his works of art. His more creative side loved exploring abstract presentations in his later works. He found great support and camaraderie with fellow artists at an art group that met in Hastings.
Of Merle’s many accomplishments, his family brought his greatest joy. He met Lynda after moving to the Twin Cities. They married on May 25, 1968, and celebrated their 55th anniversary this year. Friends, companions, and soulmates, Merle and Lynda matured themselves and their marriage. They explored personal and spiritual growth, supporting each other as they worked to make the world a better place. They raised their son, Kevin, a computer professional and business leader who values integrity, honesty, and responsibility. Merle leaves a legacy of a loving family (including their kitties and grand kitties).
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church (1400 South Robert Street, West Saint Paul, MN 55113). There is a visitation one hour before and lunch after. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Parkinson Research Foundation, Augustana’s Community Outreach, Presbyterian Homes Foundation, or Doctors Without Borders.