Dennis L. Borgen

Dennis “Denny” “Borgie” LaVern Borgen, age 70, of Grand Forks, ND, died peacefully early Thursday morning, July 4, 2019 at Valley Eldercare Center with his daughter by his side.

Dennis was born May 3, 1949 in Veblen, SD, the son of Marble and Mable (Nulph) Borgen.  Dennis grew up in Milnor, ND, where he attended school.  While in high school Dennis played basketball and baseball, and graduated with the class of 1967.  After high school he worked with his father building grain elevators in ND, SD, and MN, before enlisting in the US Navy.  Dennis served 4 years active duty, after which he continued to serve his country in the Naval Reserves while attending college at Minnesota State University Moorhead and North Dakota State University Fargo, earning two degrees, one in Business Management and the second in Juvenile Criminal Justice.  Upon graduating from college Dennis re-enlisted where he continued to serve his country for another 20 years as an active military member, retiring in 1996 as a Chief Petty Officer.

Dennis was united in marriage to Jodie Larson on December 29, 1983 in Wahpeton, ND.  Dennis and Jodie had two children together, a daughter, Terri and a son, Brent.  Dennis and Jodie remained united in marriage for 16 years before deciding to go their separate ways, however, they have remained very close.

In 2001, Dennis suffered multiple strokes leaving him quadriplegic.  In 2003, Dennis was moved from Sparks, NV to Lakota, ND to be closer to his children and family, where he resided at the Good Samaritan Society for 13 years.  In 2017, Dennis was moved to Valley Eldercare Center in Grand Forks, ND, where he would live out the rest of his days, being close to his daughter and granddaughter.

Dennis was a very charming man, he had the ability to draw people towards him.  He had a sense of humor that would put a smile on anyone’s face.  He mostly enjoyed giving the staff a tough time, especially if they were blonde.  Dennis was a huge Vikings fan.  He enjoyed putting puzzles together, and watching classic television shows.  Even in his condition, Dennis went above and beyond for his children making sure they were never without.  Dennis also had a stubborn side, once his mind was made up there was absolutely no changing it whatsoever.  He was quite the character most would say.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Terri (Jason Halland) Borgen of Crookston, MN; granddaughter, Huntley Halland also of Crookston, MN; 2 sisters, Shirley Svenby of Fargo, ND and Sally (John) Walker of Manhatten, KS; special friend, Jodie (Dave Hermstad) Borgen-Hermstad of Devils Lake, ND; a brother-in-law, Paul Langemo of Valley City, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis is preceded in death by his son, Brent; his parents, Marble and Mable; his sisters, Alice Heley, Norma Langemo, Doris Rupe, Patricia Kolwalski, and Judy Johnson; and his brothers, Donald and Robert Borgen.

Following Dennis’ wishes, no funeral services will be held.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis L. Borgen, please visit our floral store.