Robert “Bob” Francis Borgen, age 80, of rural Dallas, was welcomed into the Lord’s Kingdom on Thursday, April 27, 2023 with family by his side. He was a gracious man who is missed dearly and was loved by many.

Bob was born to Francis and Lanita (Scheel) Borgen on July 18, 1942.

He graduated from Barron High School in 1960. He served in the Air Force from 1962-1964 until he was called home to help support his family on the home farm. Bob had a deep faith in God and was very involved in his community and church.

Bob married the love of his life, Rochelle Etlicher on May 20, 1962. They spent 61 years loving and supporting each other and raising a family together. He was a strong man inside and out. Bob once lifted the rear of a car by hand in lieu of a jack to help change a tire for a friend. As a Norwegian, Bob supported and partook happily in the holiday tradition of Lutefisk dinner, which he looked forward to every Christmas. Family meant everything to Bob and time spent with them is what he cherished the most. He was an avid rifleman; whether it was target shooting, hunting, or just talking about guns, you had his attention. He thoroughly enjoyed “Happy Hour” on the porch with family and friends. He also had an absolute love and appreciation for his land and the outdoors.

Bob held a variety of jobs throughout his life to support his family including working for the Sheriff’s Department patrolling the lakes and trails, trucking, and turkey and cattle farming. He had an engineer’s mind creating Borgen Built Trailers and logging businesses. He was also a passionate woodworker creating several hope chests and other handmade items for his grandchildren. Bob then finished his working career at the USPS as a mail carrier.

He is survived by his dear wife, Rochelle and his three loving children: Brent (Betty) Borgen, Kimberly (Bill) Prine, and Kelly (Gregory) Glaser; beloved grandchildren, Derek, Natalya (Elliot) Waterhouse, Elliott and Josie Borgen, Lauren, Melissa (Jerry Hellmann) and Michael Prine, Kayla (David) Gander and Joshua Glaser; seven great-grandchildren, two godchildren, Jodi and Jamie Eliason; his siblings, Kay Thorsbakken, John (Cheryl) Borgen and Gary (Beverly) Borgen; as well as many nieces and nephews and endless family and friends.

He is greeted in Heaven by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; his parents, Francis and Lanita Borgen; in-laws, Henry and Marjorie Etlicher; brothers-in-law, Bob Thorsbakken, Marlyn Etlicher and Laurence Etlicher; sister-in-law, Lindell Etlicher; nephew, Curtis Borgen and niece, Carmen Fisher.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held at the Enchanted Barn at 1543 6 ½ Avenue in Hillsdale on Friday, May 5 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held at the Prairie Lake Covenant Church at 1954 8th Avenue in Chetek at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6 with a one hour prior visitation at the church.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: May 03, 2023 2:21 pm CDT