Search by Name

Search by Name

Rolf Borchert Obituary

Rolf Borchert, 84, of Lawrence died on November 23, 2017, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar surrounded by his family.

He was born in Frankfurt, Germany. During the war, Rolf and his family were evacuated to safety to southern Germany in Schwaebish Hall and Schondorf. After studying at the University of Tübingen, he earned his PhD in botany from the University of Frankfurt, Germany in 1962. In 1959 Rolf studied at the University of Chicago on a scholarship.

In his 40-year career as a professor of plant physiology, Rolf spent 1962-1968 at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, Colombia, and 1968- 2002 in the Biology Division at the University of Kansas (KU), pursuing his interest in plants. His published research interests included tree growth patterns and the flowering periodicity in the dry, tropical forests; he spent extended periods of time conducting field work in Costa Rica. He led KU Study Abroad programs in Bonn, Germany and San Jose, Costa Rica; spent sabbaticals in Harvard Forest, Massachusetts and Darmstadt, Germany; and chaired the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology for three years in the 1980s. After retirement at 69, he continued his research and published as professor emeritus, collaborating with researchers world-wide.

Rolf met Laura in 1959, on the dance floor of a passenger ship bound for Italy from New York. After a two-year multilingual, international courtship, they were married on December 30, 1961 in Pieve di Cadore, Italy. They lived the first 6 years of their marriage in Bogota, Colombia, where their three daughters were born. From 1968 to his death, they lived in Lawrence, Kansas. Rolf and Laura remained happily married for 55 years until his death.

As an avid gardener, Rolf maintained an ornamental and vegetable garden and year-round greenhouse. He enjoyed traveling, camping, hiking, reading, classical music, skiing, and ballroom dancing. Rolf was passionate about his work, believed in life-long learning, and valued teaching students independent and critical thinking.

Rolf is survived by his wife, Laura Zandegiacomo de Lugan Borchert; his sister, Renate Torok, of Vancouver, Canada; his daughters Monika Borchert-Hillman of Freiburg, Germany, Susanne Borchert of Freeport, Illinois, and Claudia Borchert of Santa Fe, New Mexico; grandchildren Stefan, Marcus, Sara, Philip, Alanna, and Lisel; and nieces and nephew.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at the Brandon Woods – Smith Center from 3 – 5 p.m.

Please leave a condolence at warrenmcelwain.com or sign the guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rolf's name to the University of Kansas Field Station and Ecological Reserves (KU Endowment Association) or Just Food and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Nov. 25, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Rolf Borchert

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

sorry to hear uncle rolf passed away

andrea torok duggan

Family

January 17, 2018

Dr Borchert was an infrequent visitor to our office but always cordial. He and his wife were a joy to watch waltzing at a friend's wedding reception.

Linda Wiley

November 29, 2017

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Rolf Borchert's name

Memorial Events
for Rolf Borchert

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Rolf's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Rolf Borchert's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more