George E. Borlin
May 23, 1926 — October 01, 2023
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Service Details
George Edward Borlin, 97, passed away on October 1, 2023. George was born May 23, 1926, at home in Kearny, NE, the son of George and Zora (McLellan) Borlin. The family moved to Colfax and then Newton before settling in Des Moines.
George graduated from East Des Moines High School in 1944, where he met the love of his life Dolores Bergstrom. After graduation, he was drafted at 18 into the Navy Armed Guard where he served in WWII. He would often tell stories about his time in the Navy and how he went through the Panama Canal 5 times.
Upon returning home he began his career as an independent carpenter, working all around the state of Iowa. During this time George built his own house, finishing it in 1948, where he resided until his passing. He then transitioned to working for the Des Moines Schools where he oversaw all of the carpenters and was the head locksmith. He retired from the Des Moines School in 1988. He was a member of the Carpenters Local 106 for 78 years.
George and Dolores were married on October 26, 1946 at the Lutheran Church in Newton, Iowa. They made their home in Des Moines and had three children. Family and friends were important to George, and he enjoyed the time he spent with them.
Throughout his life, George enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, and golfing. He and Dolores would often pack up the camper after work and find a nice place to enjoy the weekend outdoors. He enjoyed feeding and watching the squirrels, rabbits, and birds that visited his yard. He could fix anything and after his wife’s passing, he turned the basement into a workshop where he had a hobby of repairing everything from small electronics to sewing machines.
George is survived by his daughter JorJan (Peter Schwei) Borlin; daughter-in-law Shelley Borlin; grandchildren Wendy (Kyle) Peterson, Christopher (Kimberly) Borlin, and Stephen Borlin; and great grandson Derek Borlin. He is preceded in death by his wife Dolores; sons Wesley and Craig Borlin; grandchildren Teddy and Coriandra Schwei; great-grandson Jeremy Borlin; his parents; and siblings Dorothy Kellis, Eunice Jones, and Maurice Borlin.
Family will greet guests on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. Following visitation, there will be a Graveside service at Altoona Cemetery, Altoona, Iowa.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jim Willittes
12/30/2023
To the remaining relatives and friends of my dear friend George. I grew up around the corner from him and knew him since I was a child. Even though I moved away in 1964 we remained friends through my yearly visits back to Des Moines and the exchanging of phone calls, cards and letters. Every summer we would meet to play golf until several years ago when I was unable to play for health reasons. Nevertheless we still met, had lunch and a good visit. All who knew him know he was a remarkable man.
When my Christmas card was returned this year I suspected I had lost him. My search today, December 30th, tearfully confirmed this.
George and I belonged to a fraternal organization whose members will understand when I say: until then my friend, until then.