Services
Obituary
Richard “Rich” Bordwell, age 68, of Clarion, passed away on October 4, 2025, peacefully at his home in Clarion surrounded by his family.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 608 2nd Avenue Northeast in Clarion.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at the church and will continue after the burial at the Red Shed, 908 2nd Street Northwest in Clarion until 8:00 PM.
Richard Eugene Bordwell was born on January 12, 1957, in Abilene, KS to Dorothy Jeanne Decker and Richard Bordwell, Sr. At a young age, he moved with his family to Pocahontas, Iowa. In 1972, he lost his mother in a car accident. He was then raised by his Grandma Hiatt, Aunt Berniece Hiatt, and Uncle Bob Hiatt. Rich’s favorite job when he started working was at the Conoco station in Pocahontas. He attended Pocahontas Schools graduating with the class of 1975. “Buzzy” as he was often referred to in school participated in football, track, and band. Rich often spoke about his high school coach and teacher Duane Marcellus. He would remind his grandkids about what Duane said, “if you don’t go out for track, you won’t play football for me”. Rich loved it when he was suspended from school for doing dumb stuff because that meant he could go duck hunting for three days. He was senior class president (although never planned a class reunion) and president of the Ecology Club. Rich’s 50th class reunion was in September, which he was unable to attend.
On December 3, 1977, Rich was united in marriage to Janet Kakacek at the Catholic Church in Pocahontas, IA. Rich and Janet were blessed with 47 years of marriage. From this union, 5 children were born Jennifer, Sarah, Kristine, Katherine and Jeffrey. They spent their first 5 years of marriage in Omaha, Nebraska where they were both attending Creighton University.
In January of 1978 he began working as a teller at Douglas County Bank & Trust in Omaha. In January 1980 Rich started working at Touche Ross and Co. as a Tax Consultant while putting himself through law school. While at Touche Ross he helped institute a probate practice system for the firm and helped develop new innovative tax planning ideas.
Rich graduated from Creighton Law School in May of 1982 where he also obtained his CPA.
On December 31, 1982, Rich and Janet moved their family to Clarion. On January 1, 1983, he began his duties as an Attorney with the Robert Brinton Law Firm. In 1993 he was admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court. His general practice of law specialized in real estate, probate and taxation work. On many occasions, clients would stop if they noticed his truck was parked outside looking for his advice and other words of wisdom. He continued to practice law for 42 1/2 years and had just retired on August 4, 2025. He was very thankful he was able to retire and allow another law firm to serve the Clarion and surrounding communities at 120 Central Ave. W.
Rich served in many community member roles and was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. He served as a board member for Clarion-Goldfield Schools from 1989-1998. He served several years on the Clarion Development Commission. Rich served as Clarion City Attorney from 2012-2015 after Robert Brinton retired. He joined the First Citizens Bank board in 1987 and was still currently serving in that position. He was set to resign at the October 16, 2025, board meeting.
Traveling was his passion. He enjoyed many vacations with his family while they were young. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching his kids in their various sporting activities growing up.
Rich was a devoted husband to his wife, Janet, and they loved to travel together. The highlight of their travels together was the 21 cruises they went on. They took their final cruise together in December 2024. A few weeks ago, they enjoyed a trip out to the Black Hills.
For the past 18 years, Rich enjoyed being a grandpa. His grandkids were his pride and joy. He loved spending his time with them and watching their activities.
Rich is survived by his loving wife, Janet; daughters Jenny (Dave) Smith of Clarion, Sarah Bordwell of Sidney, MT, Kris (Randy) Dieterich of St. Ansgar, Katy (Scott) Simmons of Clarion, and son Jeffrey Bordwell (CeCelia Propp) of Sidney, MT; grandchildren Ashlynn, Drew and Carter Smith; Hale, Kane and Owen Dieterich; Nolan and Leah Simmons; and Lincoln and Remi Bordwell; Sister, Patricia Decker-Bucher of Granger; special niece Amy (Rick) Moore, Urbandale; brothers-in-law Denny (Karen) Kakacek, Watertown, SD; Al (Denise) Kakacek, Pocahontas, IA; Ron (Leah) Kakacek, Pocahontas, IA; Larry Kakacek, Sioux City, IA; Jim (Tonia) Kakacek, Pocahontas, IA and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by many close friends and former clients.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Janet’s parents Louis and Madonna Kakacek; his special Aunt Berniece Hiatt and dear nephew Anthony Forsmark.
Rich requested that memorials be designated to the City of Clarion Recreation Department.