Ronald A. Borchardt

Ronald A. Borchardt, age 61, of Sandusky, died unexpectedly, Sunday morning, August 5, 2018, in his residence. 

He was born May 10, 1957, in Sandusky, and graduated from Margaretta High School in 1975.  Following high school, Ron received a bachelor’s degree in organ performance and music business from Heidelberg University in 1979 and then an MBA from Ashland University

He worked for Elmer Borchardt, Inc, until 1987, when he purchased Goetz Music, Tiffin. He has co-owned and operated Forte Music Inc., with business partner Ed Adams, in Sandusky & Tiffin, Ohio, since then, specializing in band instrument and keyboard rental, sales and repair.

Ron served as church organist at the following congregations throughout his career as a church musician in the Norwalk and Sandusky areas: St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, (1973 – 1975), St. Paul Lutheran, (1977 – 1980), Trinity Lutheran, (1980 - 1993), St. Mary’s Catholic, (1993 – 1998) 1st United Methodist, (1998 – 2007) and Zion Lutheran (2007 – present). While at Trinity, he also served as Council President and taught Sunday School. Ron was a person who supported the unification of Lutherans and Catholic faiths over time. Whenever he felt that the Catholic and Lutheran choirs could justify celebrating a service together, he promoted it.

Ron was active in community organizations. He served as a member of the board for The Norbert A. and Marion Cleaveland Lange Trust of Sandusky Library. He was a longtime member and Past President of the Sandusky Concert Association, as well as, the Sandusky Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. In his spare time, he filled-in as Sandusky H.S. Acapella Choir’s accompanist and recently, joined the North Coast Concert Band. Ron’s involvement in the education and support of music in young people’s lives extended beyond the music store.  He accompanied many students at Solo and Ensemble competitions, encouraging them to use their gifts in worship services.

He is survived by his wife of 33 yrs Eileen (Schaffer) Borchardt; daughter Katherine (Joshua) Wise, Seattle, WA; son Connor Borchardt, U.S. Peace Corps, Republic of Georgia; sister Debra (Jerry) Coleman; brother Gary (Toni) Borchardt; and several nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Dean and Delores (Nielsen) Borchardt.

Friends may call from 3-8 PM Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at 10:00 AM, in Zion Lutheran Church, 503 Columbus Ave., Sandusky.  Pastor Eric Bodenstab, assisted by Fr. Phil Feltman, will officiate.  Burial will be in Castalia Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: Ron Borchardt Family; for distribution to charities. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com.

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