Laverne (Verne) Earl 'Papa Verne' Borkowski, the son of Roy and Julia (Friedrichsen) Borkowski, was born on September 26, 1934, in Templeton, IA. As a child he lived in Templeton, Truesdale, IA, and Manning, IA where he was a graduate of Jefferson High School. Following graduation, Verne spent four years in the Navy until his honorable discharge. On June 3, 1962, he was united in marriage to Judith Matilda Anderson in Terrill, IA. In 1963, they moved to Cherokee, IA where he worked at Clough's in Storm Lake and later Brown's Auto Supply in Cherokee. Verne enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, and making bird houses. He also liked riding his bike, traveling, feeding squirrels, deer hunting, and his trips to Dairy Queen. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and the neighborhood children who affectionately called him 'Grandpa'. On February 12, 2016, Verne passed away a Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Borkowski; parents, Roy and Julia Borkowski; two brothers, Merle and Allen Borkowski; and one sister, Florence Fister. He is survived by his children: Kevin (Kim) Borkowski of Sac City, IA, Scott Borkowski of Boone, IA, Todd (Pam) Borkowski of San Diego, CA, Mark (Sara) Borkowski of Rutland, VT, Kristi (Mark) Herrera of Cherokee, IA, Jason (Lisa) Borkowski of Boone, IA, and Julie (Sean) Lee of Anita, IA; 21 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond (Barb) Borkowski of Forest City, IA, and Russell (Barb) Borkowski of Climbing Hill, IA; and several nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE FAMILY SUGGESTS THAT MEMORIALS IN VERNE'S NAME BE DIRECTED TO THE TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH PRESCHOOL.