Maurice Borash

Maurice "Mauri" "Sonny" J. Borash, age 77, of Brainerd, passed away at his home on November 22, 2013, in the arms of wife and two sons.

Mauri was born on August 4, 1936, to Joseph and Agnes (Otremba) Borash in Royalton, MN. Growing up in his parent's home in a close-knit family community including aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents; he learned the importance of family which he was able to pass on to his sons. He graduated from Royalton High School in 1954 and enlisted in the US Army, serving for three years in Germany with the 87th Infantry Regiment: 10th Mountain Division. Upon his return to Minnesota he attended college at St. Cloud State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. After student teaching at Garfield Elementary School in Brainerd he was offered a full-time teaching position in ISD 181. He taught 4th and 6th grades at Garfield Elementary School and Washington Middle School for 32 years, completing his Master of Science Degree in Education at Bemidji State University in 1976. In May of 1994, he retired from his teaching career but continued teaching life-lessons to his family and friends.

He was united in marriage to Jeri (Jerilyn Johnson) on June 4, 1966 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd, MN. He is survived by his wife of 47 years; sons, David (Amy) Borash, of Brainerd and Bob (Tracy) Borash, of Detroit Lakes, MN; six grandchildren, Sylvia, Richard, Mason, Libby, Jaxon, and Dexter Borash; brother-in-law, Harry (Marie) Zeleske, brother-in-law, Robert (Carol) Johnson; niece, Teri (Tim) Eddy; nephew, Keith (Lisa) Johnson; and many other members of the extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother; and sister, Yvonne "Girly" (Harry) Zeleske.

Funeral Mass is scheduled for 1:00 PM, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather Tuesday, November 26 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter and one hour prior to mass at the church on Wednesday.

Memorials are preferred to the Richard M. Schulze Family American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 2500 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414-326, 612.379.6352, www.cancer.org/HopeLidgeMinneapolis or donor's choice.