We honor and remember Dr. Laroy Borchert, professor of clarinet for 34 years at NMSU, who passed away on May 1, 2025. On behalf of his family, colleagues, students and friends, we are sharing Dr. Borchert's obituary. 

Laroy Borchert

1957-2025

Dr. Laroy Borchert passed away on May 1, 2025, at the age of 68 in Tomball, TX. His courage and determination for life were present through the end of his struggle with Multiple Systems Atrophy, an atypical form of Parkinson’s.

Laroy was born in Glendive, MT, and moved to Havre, MT, in 1959, where he spent most of his childhood. A passionate clarinetist, Laroy studied music performance and education, earning his undergraduate degree from Concordia College in 1979, his master’s degree from Baylor University in 1983, and his doctorate from Florida State University in 1991.

Laroy retired after 34 years as Professor of Clarinet at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. During his time in Las Cruces, he also served as Principal Clarinet in the Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, Second/Eb Clarinetist with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, and performed with the El Paso Opera. He spent his summers teaching young musicians at Hummingbird Music Camp in Jemez, NM.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Borchert; children, Jessica Stout and husband Drew, Joshua Borchert and wife Susie, Jeremy Borchert, Elias Borchert, and Siri Borchert; sisters, Lael Ito and husband Roger Ito, and Lanell Peterson and husband Eric Peterson. He was also the proud grandfather of Carter and Claire Stout. He is preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Jeanette Borchert.

The family will celebrate his life at Kinsmen Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society.