Elwyn Richard Borkgren

Elwyn Richard Borkgren, 93, of Geneseo, passed away Friday, November 13, 2015 at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo.  A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 17th at First Lutheran Church in Geneseo.  Rev. Lynn Bergren will officiate.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo, where Military Honors will be accorded by Don Cherry VFW #5083.  Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Monday at Vandemore Funeral Homes, Geneseo.  Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church or Abilities Plus, Kewanee.

Elwyn was born on July 6, 1922 in Osco Township, the son of Alfred Theodore and Effie (Willard) Borkgren.  He graduated from Geneseo High School in 1940.  He proudly served in the US Army during WWII and enjoyed participating in the Honor Flight.  Elwyn was united in marriage to Lila Christine Swanson on June 12, 1949.  He worked construction his entire life and worked with his father, his brother, John Nelson and then Fred Peterson Construction, from which he retired in 1985.

Elwyn was a member of First Lutheran Church in Geneseo, where he served on Church Council, various committees, and was an usher.  He was a longtime member of Lion’s Club and served on the Henry County Board.  He was an avid golfer before golf was a popular sport and belonged to the Geneseo Country Club and later Maple Bluffs Golf Course.  Elwyn enjoyed woodworking and shared many gifts he made with family and friends.  He had a lifelong interest in farming.  Most of all he loved being with his family, including his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.  He especially enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s events.

He is survived by his wife Lila; daughters: Christine (Dr. Mark) Johnson of Oak Park, Cheryl (Jerry) Saint Vincent of Geneseo; sons: Rick (Martha) Borkgren of Woodhull, Randy (Terri) Borkgren of Cambridge; grandchildren: Jason (Brandy), Kyle (Misty), and Alex (Kelly) Borkgren, Elena and Eric Johnson, Nick and Chad Borkgren, and Becky (Scott) Hornblower; step grandchildren: Roger (Rachel) , Craig (Michelle) Saint Vincent, and Amanda Gustin; 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and five sisters.

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