Herbert J.F. Borchert, age 84 of Valley View, Pennsylvania, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center, Camp Hill, PA.

Herb was born on November 16, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of the late Herbert and Ruth (Huntsinger) Borchert. He attended and graduated from The Hill School, Pottstown in 1959, then went on to attend college at Rutgers University, New Jersey and then graduated from Valparaiso University, Indiana in 1963.

Following college, he attended Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy in 1963. He served aboard the USS Proteus (AS-19) with Submarine Squadron 15 in Guam as a Nuclear Radiation Health Protection and Radiological Controls Officer, supporting the safety and maintenance of the fleet’s ballistic missile submarines during the Vietnam War. He was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and received a personal commendation from his commanding officer before leaving active duty in 1967. He continued his service in the Naval Reserves at Willow Grove Naval Air Station, attaining the rank of Lieutenant, and was honorably discharged in 1974.

Returning home to the Hegins Valley, he pursued a career in agriculture by operating his own farm and working in the feed industry, including at the family-owned Huntsinger’s Mill in Hegins and other area feed mills.

He was a devoted member of Salem Church of Rough and Ready, where he treasured the fellowship of Bible study, Sunday School, and weekly worship services. Herb was also a proud and dedicated member of Valley View American Legion Post 575, serving as Adjutant, Service Officer, and Treasurer. His deep commitment to honoring local veterans was reflected in his work compiling and creating several local editions of the Defending Our Freedom books.

Herb was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, target shooting, fishing, motorcycling and bicycling.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Peggy (Fetterolf) Borchert, and by three daughters, Beth, wife of Jeff Bowman; Heidi, wife of John Wehry; and Carolyn, wife of Richie Dunkelberger. He is also survived by seven loving grandchildren, two great granddaughters, along with 2 sisters, Faith Wiest and Clare Rebuck. Nieces and nephews also survive.

Services will be held at the Salem Rough and Ready Church on Saturday, November 14th, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation at the church will be from 10-11 AM prior to the service.

Herbert will be interred following Military Honors at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery during private family services.

The Buffingtown-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is honored to assist Herb's family during thier time of need. Condolences can be left for the family at buffingtonreed.com.