Richard Borg

Richard Arthur Borg, 91, a lifelong resident of Des Moines’ east side, died Sunday, October 6 at the Luther Park Community. Richard “Dick” Borg was born August 28, 1933, to George and Margaret (Dahl) Borg. He attended Wallace Elementary, Amos Hiatt Junior High, and graduated from East High School as salutatorian of his class. Dick served in the US Army in Korea in 1957-8. He attended both Drake University and Simpson College, receiving a BA from Simpson in 1958. He married Joyce Gustafson in September of 1959 and they had one son, Jeff, in 1962. Dick and Joyce just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Dick was an accountant and worked for the Employers Mutual Company and then at Luther Park Community for many years until his retirement. Dick was a life-long United Methodist, growing up at Union Park United Methodist Church and later joining Epworth United Methodist Church in Highland Park, where he was an active and dedicated member. Dick was also an accomplished musician who played piano and organ in various venues and settings; he served as the church organist at Epworth for almost 60 years. Dick was a member of the East High Alumni Association, the Downtown Des Moines Kiwanis Club, and the Des Moines Pioneer Club, and he often provided music for these group’s meetings. Dick loved to travel and criss-crossed most of the country, especially loving the mountains, especially in the West, and especially in his adopted home of Colorado. And Dick loved the outdoors—he was an avid gardener, he kept an immaculate yard, and he enjoyed many an adventure hiking, canoeing, and rafting with his son Jeff. Dick was preceded in death by his parents George and Margaret and his brother George, Jr., “Bud.” He is survived by his wife Joyce, by his son Jeff of Fort Collins, Colorado, by beloved nieces and nephews, by extended family, and by many friends.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held on Friday, October 11, at 11:00 am at Epworth United Methodist Church, 412 Euclid Ave. A luncheon for friends and family will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the Epworth UMC Community Meals program.

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