Lars L. Borgen, age 75, resident of rural Niagara, ND, died Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Lars Leo Borgen was born February 2, 1935 in Fosston, MN, the son of Leo and Almira (Vezina) Borgen. He was raised on the Borgen family farm near Niagara. He attended the Adler Township School and also the Aneta school. He farmed with his father, eventually taking over the farming operation. Lars married Shirley Hulick in April of 1965 at Fosston, MN. They continued farming on the family farmstead, and began farming together with their son, Ronald. Lars was a talented musician. He played with the Al Roland band for over 22 years, and also played with his best friend, Leslie Adamson, for many years, most recently he played with his daughter, Glenna. Lars was a member for many years of the Adler Township Board, the Lom Lutheran Church and Cemetery Board, the Sons of Norway, and Knights of Pythias. He enjoyed farming, music, antiques, steam engines, and steam & threshing shows. Over the years Lars had been a member of, and attended, many steam association and historical shows throughout the region. He also operated the engines at these events.

Lars is survived by his wife, Shirley Borgen of Niagara; 3 children, Leo Lars Borgen of Washburn, ND, Ronald Glenn Borgen of Niagara, and Glenna Rae Borgen (Clayton Nelson) of Grand Forks; 2 brothers, Joe (Leona) Borgen of East Grand Forks, MN and Dennis (Geraldine) Borgen of Niagara; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clare Borgen.

Lars' Funeral Service will be held at the Lom Lutheran Church, rural Niagara, on Monday, February 22, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Renee MacLeod. The organist will be Sylvia Madson and the soloist will be Don Larson. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The casketbearers will be Glynn Orwick, Rod Meyer, Bob Meyer, Dennis Borgen, John Northrop, and Clayton Nelson. The honorary bearers will be Vernon Japel, Ray Smude, Ervin “Buckshot” Johnson, Lee Whitmore, Larry Hagan, and all of Lars' friends, family and neighbors. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Sunday, beginning at 1:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday for 1 hour prior to the service.