Chester Borkowski
Swansea | Save
Chester L. Borkowski, Sr., 98, of Swansea, IL, born December 6, 1927, in East St. Louis, IL, died Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at St. Paul’s Senior Community, Belleville, IL, with family by his side.
Mr. Borkowski worked for American Water Works Company in the Belleville District. He retired as operations superintendent after 47 years of service. He was very involved with Junior Achievement and was also a member of the Belleville Exchange Club, the Downtown Belleville Optimist Club, United Way, and the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce. He was a United States Air Force veteran of the Korean War.
Chester loved tending to his garden and always took great pride in his well-maintained yard. He enjoyed woodworking and cherished time spent watching his grandsons’ baseball and soccer games.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary E., nee Pearce, Borkowski, who died July 16, 2011; a son, James Borkowski; his parents, Jacob and Antonia, nee Achtel, Borkowski; and his siblings.
Surviving are his children, Chester L. Jr. (Susie) Borkowski of Swansea, IL, and Christine Borkowski of Swansea, IL; three grandchildren, Nicholas (Natalie) Borkowski, Michael (Brittney) Borkowski, and Bradley (Britany) Borkowski; seven great-grandchildren, Olivia, Quinn, and Ryker Borkowski, and Lilly, Carter, Nash, and Remi Borkowski; a brother-in-law, James (Bonnie) Pearce; four nieces and nephews, Ron (Cindy) Borkowski, Nancy (Lou) Newport, Amy Richter (Mr. Marian Margean), and Kathy (Ted) Scheff; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and sincere thanks to Liz and Joseph at St. Paul’s and to Hospice of Southern Illinois for all the dedicated care and comfort they provided to Chester. Special thanks to Dave, Ruth, and Brenden Dobbs for always going above and beyond for Dad.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
According to Chester’s wishes, private cremation services will be held. A celebration of life and burial with military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO, will be held at a later date.
Renner Funeral Home
