The 56th annual Elias/ Borkowski Reunion convened on a beautiful summer day, Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the historical Field House in Wessington Springs City Park with 47 friends and relatives attending from three states. The previous evening at Jim and Kaelene Borkowski’s near Wolsey treated 34 guests to a chili dog meal and an evening of visiting.
Jim Borkowski led the prayer, a group sang the doxology, and a delicious noon potluck was enjoyed. An attempt to revive the music sung and played by our German ancestors was led by Barb Berndt, Lori Gustaf, and Scott Borkowski. The 30th annual horseshoe tournament followed with only eight teams vying for the coveted trophies. Hours of sweat, fun, and close games later, the winners, Chad and Emily Borkowski, a father/ daughter duo, defeated runners-up Ralph and Kim Borkowski. Sponsoring the traveling horseshoe trophies is the late Harold Borkowski. A gift certificate was given to the winners by Chad and Chantell Borkowski.
The oldest family member attending was Marianna Borkowski while the youngest was Harper Witted. The Harold Borkowski family held the honor of being the largest (13) in attendance. Coming the farthest was Kelsey Gustaf.
July and August family birthdays were celebrated with a birthday cake. Attending were Tom Borkowski, Liliana Carabantes, Dan Shudak, and Callen Witted.
Out-of-state attendees were Kelsey Gustaf from Denver, CO, and Drew, Christina, Claire, and Brogan Borkowski from Crookston, MN.
Out-of-town South Dakotans were Tom Borkowski, Samuel, Kira, Jack, and Liliana Carabantes; Ralph and Kim Borkowski, Caleb Liebnow, and Adriana Aberle from Huron; Gage, Cydnee, Callen, and Harper Witted, Ronald Liebnow, Jim and Kaelene Borkowski, and Rod and Christina Liebnow from Wolsey; Scott and Lori Gustaf from Madison; Mark Borkowski, Scott Borkowski and Chase Bollock from Mitchell; Tim and Val Philips and Dan and Joyce Shudak from Yankton; Sydney Gustaf and Brendan Jensen from Sioux Falls; Chad, Chantell, Emily, and Carly Borkowski from Custer; Katie Mauch from Pierre; and Randy, Barb, and Caleb Berndt from Eagle Butte.
Signing the guest book from Wessington Springs were Marianna Borkowski, Steve Borkowski, Judy Winegar, Eileen Schooler, and Penny Borkowski.
The 57th annual Elias/ Borkowski Reunion is planned for the fourth Saturday and Sunday in June 2027 at the Field House in Wessington Springs City Park. Special activities and September and October birthdays will be celebrated. Everyone is welcome to join the family and friends. Family is encouraged to practice their German!