Joan Bishop Borcherdt

MERCER, Wis. - Joan Bishop Borcherdt, 80, a longtime resident of Mercer, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Westgate Nursing Home in Ironwood, Michigan.

Joan was born in Highland Park, Illinois. She was a 1961 graduate of Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1965 from the University of Arizona. She taught fifth grade for several years in Chappaqua, New York, before she met the love of her life, Douglas Pegg Borcherdt, whom she married in 1977.

She poured her heart and soul into restoring the Historic Ironwood Theatre, serving on its board for decades. Joan enjoyed travel, reading and entertaining.

Joan is survived by her husband, Doug; and beloved nieces, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Historic Ironwood Theatre which she enthusiastically supported at: P.O. Box 187, Ironwood, MI 49938.