Norman G. Borgen, 86

Norman G. Borgen, 86, died at Immanual Lutheran Home, and "was welcomed into the hands of the Lord" on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005.

He was born May 29, 1919, in Rugby, N.D., to Ole and Thea Borgen.

As a young child, the family left the farm in North Dakota and moved to Kalispell. He attended school in Helena Flats.

On Sept. 16, 1940, Norman joined the Army. He served in the South Pacific during World War II with Company F of the 163rd Infantry.

He was awarded the Philippine Liberation medal with one bronze service star, the American Defense Service medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service medal, Distinguished Unit Badge and a good conduct medal. He was honorably discharged from the military July 16, 1945.

Prior to that, Norman married Florence B. Steele on Feb. 19, 1942, in Tacoma, Wash. The couple was blessed with four children who were also born and educated in the Flathead Valley, Vicky Lynn, Dennis Leslie, Thea Rae and Wendy Michelle.

After his service to his country, Norman was employed by Kalispell Lumber and Half Moon Mill.

He operated Evergreen Oil Co., worked as a car salesman, and owned and operated school buses for School District 6 with his wife. He was also employed by Flathead County and the Veterans Home.

However, his true love was farming. The Borgens owned and operated numerous farms and dairies throughout the years. Norman enjoyed the traditional manner of farming with horse drawn equipment and steam-powered tractors.

He loved to give his family rides in a horse-drawn sleigh and buggy.

He also brought back a piece of valley history by hosting threshing bees on his last farm located on LaSalle Highway.

Norman assisted in the building of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls and Calvary Lutheran Church in Evergreen. He was also a member of the LaSalle Grange and Antique Tractor Club.

Norman loved to dance, sing in the church choir and be surrounded by family.

He took particular enjoyment in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. He will always be remember as "Grandpa Chicken" sitting below his willow tree, in his straw hat and John Deere suspenders, with a cup of coffee and reminiscing about the good ol' days.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, twins Henry and Godfred "Fred," Trygve "Ted"; sisters, Dagne, and Christine; and grandson, Stephen Norman.

He is survived by his wife, Florence, of Kalispell; sisters, Mable McPoland and Olga Price of Tacoma; children, Vicky of Yucca Valley, Calif., Dennis and Jan of Columbia Falls, Thea of Eureka, and Wendy and Ernie of Columbia Falls. Grandchildren include Justin Brookman, Rae Lynn Benson, Shawn Borgen, Darren Borgen, Jason Curtiss, Misty Brookman, Kendall Gislason, Zane McCaffree and Shane McCaffree, in addition to nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, August 4, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Private burial will be Friday, Aug. 5 at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls.

Memorials may be made to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or to the donor's choice.