Rev. Dwight E. Borden

Rev. Dwight E. Borden, 78, of Peoria, Illinois, formerly of Pekin, passed away peacefully at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria.

Dwight was born on June 25, 1947, in Joliet, Illinois, to F. Glenn and Olidene (Werner) Borden. He was raised on his family’s farm outside Manhattan, Illinois, where he developed the strong work ethic, faith, and compassion that would guide him throughout his life. Later, he married Kathleen Woolsey on June 24, 2000, in Pekin. Kathleen preceded him in death on September 20, 2018.

He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James K. Borden.

Dwight is lovingly survived by his daughter, Amy (Larry Mann) Borden of Rancho Santa Margarita, California; his sons, Stephen G. Borden of Joliet, Illinois, and Matthew L. (Tricia) Borden of North Olmsted, Ohio; his step-daughter, Alexandria Lamprecht of Groveland, Illinois; and his step-son, Nathan Woolsey of Davenport, Iowa. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Jada Lamprecht and Madeline Borden; his brother, David Borden of Bucyrus, Ohio; his sister, Diane Turnbough of New Lenox, Illinois; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Dwight graduated from Lincoln-Way High School in New Lenox in 1965. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Elmhurst College in 1969 and his Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary in 1973. On June 10, 1973, he was ordained to Christian ministry at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Manhattan, Illinois.

Following his ordination, Dwight faithfully served congregations across Illinois and Missouri, including Zion U.C.C. in Troy, Missouri, and Friedens U.C.C. in Moscow Mills, Missouri (1973–1977); St. Paul U.C.C. in Kahoka, Missouri (1977–1983); The United Church of Byron, Illinois (1983–1995); and St. Paul U.C.C. in Pekin (1995–2013). After his official retirement in 2013, his commitment to ministry continued as he served as Interim Pastor at St. John U.C.C. in Minier, Illinois (2014–2015), and as part-time pastor of Bethel Memorial U.C.C. in Creve Coeur, Illinois (2016–2019).

Throughout his life, Dwight was deeply involved in both church and community. He was an active member of Kiwanis Clubs in Troy, Missouri; Kahoka, Missouri (where he served as President); Byron, Illinois; and Pekin, Illinois. Within the United Church of Christ, he served on numerous boards and committees, including the Church & Ministry Committee of the Western Illinois Association, as Moderator of the Southeast Iowa Association, and as a five-time delegate to the General Synod of the United Church of Christ.

In recent years, he was a devoted member of First Federated Church of Peoria and sang in the church’s Chancel Choir, continuing to share his faith through both word and song.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Henderson Funeral Home, and again on Friday 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and TAPS in Pekin.

Dwight will be remembered for his steady faith, gentle spirit, thoughtful leadership, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry, friendship, and love.