Robert "Bob" Borgstrom

Bob was born February 3, 1928 in Pillager, MN to the late Pete and Louise Borgstrom. He grew up in Rail Prairie Township and attended country school through the eight grade, then graduated from the Pillager High School. Bob was the recipient of the Carnegie Hero Medal in 1947 for saving his friend and class mate from drowning. He entered the U.S. Army in September, 1950, served in France during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in June, 1952. He was united in marriage to Ellen Ardis Gunderson on August 4, 1951 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elmdale, MN. The couple has resided in Little Falls, MN since that time. Bob was employed at Camp Ripley for 34 years and served in the Minnesota National Guard from 1952 to 1987, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer. After retiring, Bob took up woodworking as a hobby. He built bird houses, crosses and helped his son build a beautiful cabin. One of Bob’s best experiences was the year he helped build the new Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls. He was an avid deer hunter and also enjoyed fishing. Bob loved his little hobby farm where his family grew up. Bob and Ardis spent many hours caring for the property. The couple enjoyed growing flowers, gardening and tending their yard. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Bob enjoyed visiting with family and friends. His warm smile and gracious personality endeared him to everyone he met. He was a humble man that lived life to the fullest. Bob was a faithful, active 56 year member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls. He also was a member of the Gideon’s and the Randall VFW Post #9073. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Ardis; sons, Tim (Laurie Borgstrom of Niceville, FL; Greg (Nicole) Borgstrom of St. Cloud, MN and Todd (Kim) Borgstrom of Long Prairie, MN; daughters, Merrily Snell of Savage, MN; Shelley (Basil) LeBlanc of Rice, MN and Audrey (Rick) Webb of Mesa, AZ; brothers, Darrel (Phyllis) Borgstrom of Rush City, MN and William (Carol Jean) Borgstrom, where their motor home is parked; sisters, Eleanor Larson of Brainerd, MN and Delores Perkins of Battle Lake, MN; 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Louise Borgstrom and a sister, Arlene Borgstrom. Honorary Casket bearers will be the Little Falls Camp Gideon's. Casket bearers will be the grandsons.

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Robert "Bob" Borgstrom

February 3, 1928 - November 25, 2008