Otto Borchert

(From Parker Mortuary)

Dr. Otto Jerome Borchert, age 42, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, after battling complications from kidney failure.

Dr. Borchert was born April 28, 1980, in Valley City, North Dakota to Curtis Borchert and Theresa (Fischer) Borchert. He grew up in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. He graduated from Ada-Borup High School in Ada, MN. He completed his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Computer Science from North Dakota State University (NDSU).

 

Dr. Borchert was an Assistant Professor of Computer Information Science at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) from 2018 until his passing in 2022. He recently earned the “Outstanding Teacher Award,” presented by the Office of Academic Affairs in 2021 at MSSU. He won numerous awards and presented frequently at conferences. He wrote several academic articles and the textbook, ScaffoldSQL: Using Parson’s Problems to Support Database Pedagogy. He was respected by his students and faculty alike. He enjoyed being a part of campus life at MSSU; he was an active member of campus governance and advisor to the Computer Information Science club.

Dr. Borchert loved all things penguins: stuffed animals, cups, blankets, posters, mousepads, and other various knick-knacks. Yellow was his favorite color, and it showed in his wardrobe and car. He loved the smell of chamomile blossoms. He enjoyed computer gaming and electronics as well as golfing, fireworks, and bonfires. He was a founder and co-owner of an equipment start-up company, Char Energy Equipment, and since 1996 owned and operated a computer repair and support company, Bits and Bytes. Most importantly, he loved his family, his friends, being the eldest brother, and being an uncle.

Dr. Borchert was preceded in death by his grandparents, David and Beth Borchert, Clair and Mary Fischer; two aunts, Linda Dvorak and Rita Richards; and cousin, Mike Handt.

Dr. Borchert is survived by his parents, Curtis and Theresa Borchert; four brothers, Owen Borchert (Laura), Benjamin Borchert (Katie), Peter Borchert (Jessica), and James Borchert; nieces and nephews, Kahlan, David, George, Elise, and Alma; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to MSSU, the St. Paul’s Newman Center Fargo, ND, or the American Kidney Foundation.

Memorial services will be held Monday, May 9, 2022, at Missouri Southern State University at Corley Auditorium at 11:00 a.m. with Father Paco officiating. Visitation will follow the service.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care of Parker Mortuary.