Juris 'Jerry' O. Borstad, 81
Juris "Jerry" O Borstad, 81, was born Feb. 19, 1943, in Latvia to Janis and Vera Ozolins. He was orphaned at 3 months old by the disappearance of both parents due to the invasion of enemy troops. On May 23, 1943, he was placed in Riga State Children's Home in Latvia. In October he was evacuated due to approaching enemy soldiers. He was then placed in Hahnenklee, Germany, and put in a DP (displaced person) children's home. From 1944 to 1949 he resided at UNRRA which assumed his care. Two nurses with Juris and five other orphans escaped hiding during the day and walking at night until they reached and crossed the border into a safe country. Under provisions of the Displaced Persons Act of 1948, he was admitted to the United States on March 16, 1949. On March 22, 1949, at 8:30 p.m. he arrived in Fargo, North Dakota, where he met his foster parents, H. Morris and Olga Borstad and his soon-to-be sister Corrine. Speaking only German, his first word was ice cream. His transition was amazing for such a young boy. Growing up on the farm in Tioga, North Dakota, he excelled in every aspect of his life. He lettered in football and basketball, played second chair violin (yes, violin) in the Minot College Symphony Orchestra, played piano, and was a member of the FFA and choir. He became an avid pool player, bowler, hunter and fisherman. He retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a meat inspector and then went on to be a security police coordinator (Bismark). To pass the time he was very involved with the Eagles and Moose Lodge.
Juris is survived by his wife Helen (Padgie); son Lance (Rita); Jan; Gary (Tam); Cherie (Robin); grandchildren Stella, Troy, Samantha, Chance (Kacy), and Kale (Tiffany); great-grandchildren Reid, Clara, Bentley, Jordan and his bestest buddy Beau; nephews Todd and Jared; and niece Lori.
He is preceded in death by his parents Janis and Vera Ozolins and H. Morris and Olga Borstad; his sister Corrine and brother-in-law Bruce; nephew Troy; and his favorite mother-in-law Theresa Koppang.
Juris was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Juris "Jerry" O. Borstad