Roger Allen Borowski

Roger Allen Borowski, 87, left this world and entered his heavenly home on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls, with his loving wife by his side. 

Roger was born on Ann Street in Fergus Falls on Nov. 27, 1936, to Erwin and Erma (Rufer) Borowski. The third child and only boy in the family, Roger was adored by his sisters, Laura, Leona and Amanda, and had a special relationship with his older sister, Leona, who he played with in the dirt as a child and spoke to daily as an adult, often sharing in a unique type of humor that the two of them had in common. 

Roger moved to his Grandpa Rufer’s farm with his family in Western Township in the summer of 1941, where he fell in love with country life; apart from being chased by an exceptionally ornery, biting goose named Pat or anything having to do with a chicken coop, as the feathered frenzy of worked up chickens proved to be frightening to 5-year-old Roger. What he did love, was running to the fields with his sisters where his father worked the horses, after which he would be hoisted onto the back of Topsy for a ride across the farmyard. 

Walking to Country School District 56 with his sisters was a fond experience for Roger, as every two weeks or so, he and his sisters would each have a nickel to spend as they passed The Western Store, where they each purchased a treat. One day, Roger lost his nickel, and try as they may, Roger, Leona and Laura were unable to find the lost nickel as they retraced their steps. The sisters took pity on their “favorite brother,” sharing their money so he could still get a special treat. 

Laura enjoyed giving her brother gifts, and later spent all the money she earned in 4-H to purchase Roger one of his most cherished childhood belongings, an Elgin bicycle that he rode until it fell apart. 

The birth of Roger’s younger sister, Amanda, granted him the title of older brother, which he took to with fierce protectiveness, proving useful when faced with a cantankerous old cow or a large immovable horse on the farmstead. 

After the family moved back within Fergus Falls city limits, on Bancroft Avenue, Roger began developing a strong work ethic by taking his wagon from house to house, collecting newspapers and pop bottles to exchange at Siegelman’s Recycling Center. He later worked as paperboy, delivering the “Minneapolis Star and Tribune” and the “Fergus Falls Daily Journal,” where he also helped sort newspapers for his cousin, George Marotteck. He worked at a bowling alley, retail store, drive-in movie theater and other jobs, landing at 7-Up Bottling Company on four separate occasions. 

Roger graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1954, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1955, proudly serving for four years, primarily in the Pacific. Roger loved his country and was proud when his grandson enlisted in the Navy and his son enlisted in the Navy Reserves. Roger attended Ward Schools in Worcester, Mass., graduating in 1961 with a business degree. 

Roger met his wife of 61-1/2 years, Kay (Huss) Borowski, the summer before he graduated from Ward Schools, when he was delivering 7-Up products to the bus depot in Fergus Falls, where she worked as a waitress. He shared with his sister that he knew she was a keeper, and Roger and Kay were married Oct. 13, 1962, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, where they lived for seven years. 

The couple welcomed their children, Wesley and Kari, while living in the Twin Cities, where Roger began his career with the United States Department of Agriculture. Roger’s career took him all over the country — from Minneapolis to Fargo, to Washington State, North Dakota, Florida, and back to Minneapolis for 10 years before he retired and returned to the Fergus Falls area, where he spent his time back in the country, farming alongside his dear friend, John Walkup.  

From the time Roger was young, he loved cars, and had a knack for identifying vehicles from even a block away. He often reminisced about his metal toy soldiers, wishing he would have kept them on many occasions. He was an avid coin collector; and his grandchildren have fond memories of perusing his collection of pocketknives and sharing cinnamon candies and Boston Baked Beans. His affinity for drawing maps “not to scale” and mowing grass will never be forgotten. 

Most importantly, however, was Roger’s love for his family and his devout faith. Roger’s daughter described him as a big teddy bear with a tough guy exterior, which was evident in the twinkle in his eyes and the dog treats inevitably hiding in his pockets — Roger didn’t have a dog. You could hear his joy when he would sing, oftentimes hymns, which would envelope an area easily thanks to his deep, comforting voice. 

Roger was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and “G-gramps” and will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. 

 “We will rejoice in our salvation. In the name of our God we will set up our banners.” - Psalm 20:5  

Preceding Roger in death were his parents, Erwin and Erma Borowski; sister, Laura Larson; brothers-in-law, John “Fritz” Paulson, Wendell Huss, Gordy Larsen, Wallace “Wally” Larson; great-grandchildren Hannah and Moe. 

Roger is survived by his wife, Kay Borowski; children Wesley (Sheila) Borowski, Kari (Todd) Heimdal, Gene (Joni) Kubesh; sisters Leona Paulson, Amanda (Gerald) Bisted; sisters-in-law Karen (Gary) Mundis, Becky Larsen, Genevieve Huss; grandchildren Heather (Ryan) Kantrud, Kayla (Scott) Brekke, Matthew (Stephanie) Borowski, Rikki (Jesse) Gulbranson, Timothy (Hanna) Borowski, Trent (Janelle) Heimdal, Emily Borowski; great-grandchildren Ty, Skye, Blaire, Parker, Haakon, Macen, Max, Bentley, Harper, Jace, Walker, Brooks, Bennett, Maia. 

 “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” - John 14:2 

 A funeral service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, Fergus Falls, on May 31. Visitation: 10 a.m.

Service: 11 a.m. 

Military honors and internment following service. Arrangements by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.