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Keri Borkowski, 44 of Carroll, died Monday, March 30, 2026 at St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll following a brief illness, surrounded by her family. She died 36 years and one day following a bone marrow transplant.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at St. Lawrence Church – St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll. The Celebrant will be Fr. Craig Collison. Music will be by Kathy Halbur, Sherry Loughran, Theresa Borkowski, and Raegan Ellis. Lector for the Funeral Mass will be Richard Hoffmann. Gift Bearers will be Theresa Borkowski, Raegan Ellis and Matt Borkowski. Eucharistic Ministers will be Mike McCaffrey and Jolene Schultz. Casket Bearers will be Joshua Hoffmann, Wayne Hoffmann, Mia Mulholland, Renee Phillips, Tracy Borkowski and Brent Borkowski. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. The casket will be moved to St. Lawrence Church on Tuesday morning where additional visitation will be held from 9:30-10:15 a.m.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Keri’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Keri Susann Borkowski was born on May 22, 1981 in Carroll, Iowa, the daughter of Gary and Marilyn (Hoffmann) Borkowski. Keri was a graduate with the Class of 2000 from Kuemper Catholic High School and continued her schooling at Iowa Central Community College and Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. Keri’s life work was caring for people, the elderly, handicapped, and the ill. She worked at hospitals in Kansas City, Des Moines, and Sioux City.
For 16 years, her constant companion was her mini Yorkie, Skyler. His size allowed Keri to put him in her purse and go out and about. Skyler even attended classes with her as she completed her BSN at Avila University. Keri loved putting Skyler in doggie fashion or costumes, (Easter Bunny, Pirate, spider, prisoner and more.) The next time you see a Yorkie – smile and think of Keri.
During her high school days, the family’s home was mission central as all of the girls that lived out of town would gather and spend hours getting ready for the day/night’s activity. The upstairs was full of laughter, chatter, and perfume. Those gatherings made for wonderful memories.
Keri was a fierce Kansas City Chiefs fan. Dressed in Chiefs clothing she would loudly comment on the game and scream her objection to the ref’s call.
Keri had a beautiful zest for life and infectious smile, and beautiful soul. She certainly liked to talk. She loved any gathering of family and friends. She could find common ground topics with anyone. From infancy on she loved and doted on her niece Theresa and nephew Matt. She loved to play, read and tease them. As they grew, she wanted to know everything about their lives and happiness.
She loved Christmas, dressing up, boots, jewelry, fashion and style. Keri also loved taking pictures and Tik-Tok. Keri was the life of the party and never met a stranger; she could talk to anyone, anytime.
Most of all Keri loved her family and would do anything for them. She was very close to her Mom and Dad and brother Ryan. Her family nickname was “Snooks.” She always ended every call or visit with “I love you.”
Keri is survived by her parents, Gary and Marilyn Borkowski of Carroll; her brother, Ryan (Jessica) Borkowski of Halbur; her nieces: Theresa Borkowski and Raegan Ellis; her nephew, Matthew Borkowski; as well as many aunts, uncles, other extended relatives and many friends.
Keri was preceded in death by her grandparents: Henry and Viola Hoffmann and Dalton and Edna Borkowski.
