Sylvia Ann Borghardt, age 89, Humboldt, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Sylvia was born Nov. 7, 1935, at the Chanute hospital to Robert and Hazel Ruth Wulf. She was the oldest of five children. She graduated from Humboldt High School with the Class of 1953 and never missed a class reunion.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Pittsburg State Teachers College, where she met her future husband, Truman Borghardt. They were united in marriage June 15, 1960, and shared 65 years together before Truman’s passing on July 1, 2021.
Sylvia began her teaching career in Lecompton in 1958 before moving to Topeka, where she served as a beloved kindergarten teacher for 34 years. She later earned her master’s degree in education from Washburn University.
Sylvia was a cheerful and caring person, never one to complain about her own health struggles. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and took great joy in reconnecting with former students, fellow educators, and their families.
In retirement, Sylvia and Truman traveled to all 105 county courthouses in Kansas over a two-year period and enjoyed visiting relatives and friends in Florida. Their adventures also took them to Europe, Australia, China, Hawaii, and Alaska. Sylvia especially cherished beach trips with her sister and sister-in-law, Glenna.
A lifelong Lutheran, Sylvia was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt, and attended Faith Lutheran Church while living in Topeka.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Truman; three adult children, Susan, David, and Cindy; and two siblings, Ronald Wulf and Barbara Browne.
Sylvia is survived by two brothers, Robert Wulf of Humboldt and Richard Wulf of Richmond, Va. She also leaves behind seven nephews and nieces.
A memorial service to honor Sylvia’s life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt. The family will greet friends at the church during a visitation from 1 p.m. until service time. Inurnment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Humboldt.
Memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and may be left with or mailed to Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
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