Wesley Borlin

Wesley Borlin, 74, passed away on February 26, 2023 in Johnston. He was born in Des Moines on February 5, 1949, son of George and Dolores (Bergstrom) Borlin.

Wes graduated from North High School in 1967. After high school he graduated from Iowa State with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1971. After college he began teaching at Sacred Heart Catholic School in West Des Moines, where he taught math, science and art. Wes worked at Iowa Department of Job Services as a fraud investigator. While there he meet the love of his life and best friend, Shelley. The couple was married October 26, 1978 at Browns Chapel in Indianola, Iowa. Wes went on to own and operate his own real estate business. He also owned and operated the Beer Barn in Saylorville and the Last Draw Saloon – right around the corner from the Beer Barn. While running these successful businesses he went back to school at DMACC for Computer Programming. Wes worked for Unisys, State of Iowa, Nationwide and Aviva in Information Technology. He retired from Aviva on December 31, 2012.

Wes was an avid golfer, he found himself on the golf course everyday he could. His home course was TCI in Polk City, Iowa. He enjoyed being a leather crafter and won multiple blue ribbons for his leather work at the Iowa State Fair. In his younger years he would go motorcycle riding with his dad and brother. When Wes set his mind to doing something he would do it and do it well. Family and friends were important to Wes and he enjoyed the time he spent with them.

Wes is survived by his wife, Shelley; daughter, Wendy (Kyle) Peterson; sons, Christopher (Kimberly) Borlin and Stephen Borlin; father, George; grandson, Derek Borlin; sister, JorJan (Peter) Schwei and dog, Buffalo Bill “Cody”. He is preceded in death by his mother; brother, Craig Borlin; and grandson, Jeremy Borlin.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to family in loving memory of Wes.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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GARY SNETHEN

03/16/2023

Wes and I were best friends from the first day of Kindergarten to the last day of High School and beyond. In those days I knew of no better feeling than tackling Wes in the open field just short of the goal line, or being tackled by him. We threw snowballs at each other, played marbles, rode our bicycles and motorcycles together, square danced, shot bows and arrows, learned how to play golf together, and dozens of other things, including going out on more than a few double dates. Wherever Wes is, I am sure he is in safe at home plate, on the green in regulation, and reeling in a big fish on the end of his line. He deserves all of that and more. God bless and comfort all of us who are left behind.

Brent Balduf

03/02/2023

I want to extend my sympathies to the Borlin family. Wes was a great person and a great friend. I met Wes at TCI on the driving range and we became instant friends and played many rounds of golf together. Wes was a genuine person and I will miss him. Praying for all of you.

Sara Troge

03/01/2023

My most heartfelt condolences to the Borlin family. Wes was a great man. I have the most fond childhood memories of the entire Borlin family, and truly blessed to have been a part of it.