James "Jim" Eugene Borofka

James Eugene Borofka, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota journeyed peacefully onto his next life on December 19, 2023. Jim was born in 1936 in Rice Lake Wisconsin. After growing up as a dairy farmer’s son on Tuscobia Lake Farm, now recognized as a Century Farm, Jim drove to Rockford Illinois where he captured the heart of Janice Willard. He spent his adult working years as a union diesel mechanic for Dahlen Trans-port in Newport Minnesota. Jim was known for his meticulous work and willingness to rescue disabled fuel trucks, to keep the heat on even in the darkest, coldest parts of the year. Jim had a lifelong passion for anything with wheels and a motor - the older, the better. John Deere, Harley Davidson and Ford were his favorites. He was a regular at local parades and tractor shows. After purchasing and converting a school bus for his church’s use, he drove busloads of church youth to conferences around the country. Cars and motorcycles took Jim to all 50 states, but he resorted to ships and airplanes to visit numerous foreign countries. Jim would read maps the way others read books. He had a great love of listening to live music, especially the accordion played by his mother Lillian, the guitar played by his son John, the piano played by his daughter Jill, and the violin played by both his son-in-laws and grandsons. Jim was always up for a game of cribbage, and he and Jan played with the same card club for over 40 years.  Jim is predeceased by his parents Eugene Victor and Lillian Lorraine (née Ritter) Borofka.  Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Janice Lee Borofka (née Willard), daughter Janine Borofka and husband Jason Miller of Frederick Maryland, son John Borofka of Superior Wisconsin, daughter Jill Borofka and husband Daniel Yu of SanFrancisco, California, grandchildren Johann Miller and Jorgen Miller, brothers Alvin and Bernard Borofka and sister Sue Derro and husband Dave, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and other family and friends far and wide.

(RESCHEDULED DATE) A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Kok Funeral Home 7676 80th Street South, Cottage Grove followed by lunch. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Luke Lutheran Church of Cottage Grove (www.stlukecg.org) or American Diabetes  Association (www.diabetes.org.)