William “Bill” A. Borchardt, of St. Louis, died Sept. 13 after a long battle with cancer.

Bill was born in San Bernardino, California, and moved to St. Louis at age two. He graduated from Normandy High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was a zookeeper, naturalist instructor, biofact collector and insectarium keeper at the St. Louis Zoo for 38 years, five months and three days. Bill's travels included a safari in Africa, trips to the Amazon, Costa Rica and Normandy Beaches in France. In addition to any and all animal biofacts, his interests and collections included World War II PZTURM pillbox information, making him an expert in both fields.

Bill is survived by his wife, Alice Borchardt (née Spalding); his children, Lance Borchardt of Oakville, Clint (Erica) Borchardt of Chesterfield, Libby (Levi) Allen Harper Locke of Oakville and Nikki (Scott) McGilvery of Spruce Grove, Canada; as well as 10 grandchildren, Allison McGilvery, Sienna McGilvery, Gavin Allen, Elana Allen, Faith Harper, Ollie Locke, Luke Borchardt, Finn Borchardt, Ethan Borchardt and Cassie Richkas (Michael).

Bill's services were held on Sept. 26. He recieved a Memorial Military Honor Service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, followed by a Remembrance at Royale Orleans, including many members of his “zoo family.” His ashes were scattered to go back to the earth and sustain new life.