Orletta Ferne Borgmann, 80, of Rockford, died at 11:10 p.m., Thursday, December 20, 2007 at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore, Illinois. Orletta was born April 16, 1927 in rural Seward, Illinois, the daughter of Tabbe and Helen (Kaltenbach) Ascher. She graduated from Leaf River high School, class of 1945, and attended college in Dubuque, Iowa. She married Jennings Borgmann in German Valley, Illinois on April 23, 1949.Orletta was an operator at Illinois Bell, employed at Amerock, was a stay-at-home mom, and served as teacher's aide at Evergreen and White elementary schools. Orletta worked as school secretary at Rockford Lutheran High School from 1969 to 1979. OSF St. Anthony Medical Center employed her in medical records from 1979 until her retirement in 1986.Orletta was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Belvidere, where she loved her friendships and involvement with Christ Care Group, Helping Hands, and the ladies Guild. She loved being with her family. Orletta taught and was an example of being faithful to Jesus. She was a Chicago Cubs fan but sometimes couldn't bear to watch. She was also a NASCAR fan and attended many races including Michigan and Daytona.Survivors include her daughter, Judy (Mark) Weinrich of St. Louis; son, Tim of Rockford; grandsons, Justin and Josh both of St. Louis; brother, Lawrence (Phyllis) Ascher of Forreston, IL; many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, husband, Jennings on July 16, 2003; brother, Leroy and sister, Dorothy.The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Anthony Medical Center, and at Kindred Hospital, Sycamore for their excellence in care giving and expertise.

A memorial will be established with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Orletta's memory.