Becky Borneke was born on December 10, 1959 in Graettinger, Iowa. She was the fifth of six girls born to Bernice (Mahan) and Gerald Weber. Becky’s dad instilled a love of music in his children, insisting that his daughters take piano lessons from 4th to 12th grade and enjoyed listening to each of them practice a half hour every day. He encouraged participation in any activities they would like, but band and choir were required. 

Becky attended Graettinger School from kindergarten through 12th grade. While in high school she was active in choir, band, jazz band, pep band, show choir, musicals and state music contests, as well as, softball, basketball, golf, and cheerleading.

After high school, Becky went to Iowa Lakes Community College where she received her associate of arts degree in 1981. Here she continued her involvement in sports and the fine arts by participating in basketball, softball, choir, show choir and band. While attending Iowa Lakes, Becky worked as a vocalist with the Ken and Ben Trio in the Okoboji Lakes area.

She continued her education at Minnesota State University-Mankato earning a bachelor of science degree in Music Education. While at  MSU, she was a member of the Crimson Velvet Band.

Becky has held a variety of jobs over the years starting with babysitting and a church organist at 12. She also coached Little League, was a lifeguard, and a church choir director at 14. After college she became the elementary music teacher at Janesville Schools and later added the high school choir director to her list of responsibilities at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Schools. 

A yearly musical, show choir and state music contests were the norm for her growing up so she brought those opportunities to the students at JWP, with the help of her fabulous accompanists, Joni Karnopp, Karen Priem, and Linda Finley. One of her favorite musicals was Lady Pirates of Captain Bree. The set! The costumes! The number of student that could be involved! Such great memories!

For each of the 25 years she taught in Janesville, Becky and the senior class wrote an original graduation song based on their class motto, which she performed with them at their graduation ceremony.

Becky retired as the middle school music teacher and 7th grade choir director at Waseca Schools, but her passion for music and teaching did not end there.  Throughout her life she has been and continues to be a member of many weekend bands and has never stopped working with students through school, church and in the community. 

Becky’s family is a central part of her life.  She married Pat Borneke in 1990, has two boys Chance Simington and Mac Borneke, and a daughter in law, Katie Simington. Becky is absolutely thrilled to be a grandma to Weber and Emmet Simington and spends as much time with them as she can.