Jerry Allan Borglum

JERRY ALLAN BORGLUM, age 71, of Waseca, left this earth to join our heavenly Father on Saturday, August 2, 2025 after a courageous and brave battle with ALS.

Jerry Allan Borglum was born on January 30, 1954 to Allan & Gloria Borglum (Hamson) in Waldorf, Minnesota. Jerry attended the Waldorf-Pemberton school district. After he finished school, he continued to be a passionate learner and fostered his interest in cars with his first business, Jerry's Body Shop in 1972, at the young age of 18. While he wouldn't have given himself this title, Jerry was the ultimate engineer and problem solver in his trade. As he started his business, he also started his family. Jerry married Julia Berndt of Janesville, MN (later divorced) and had four children who kept busy helping Jerry ensure the family business stayed running and work got done! He would go on to start Borglum’s Towing in 1973. He designed and manufactured specialized towing equipment in the industry where solutions didn't exist and became sought after for his unique abilities. He continued his career shifting his focus to commercial auto body, engineering and fabrication of large equipment. Jerry was dedicated and hardworking, making business his top priority and always going the extra mile until it was perfect in his eyes. He continued to leverage his knowledge, innovative skills and physical labor to complete his work even when things got hard, right up until the last days of his life.

Outside of work, Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and special friend, Lois. He learned how to slow down (just a little) and enjoyed life, sneaking in a road trip here or there to an auction, taking a Harley ride with friends, traveling many scenic miles to take in the beauty of the country and never missing a birthday, holiday, special occasion or a teaching moment when he could be with his children, grandchildren and special friends.

Jerry had a strong faith and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca, MN. He attended church every week when he could, finding his favorite spot in the balcony. We know his faith and the words from the Catholic ministry brought him tremendous comfort and peace, particularly in these last days of his life.

While there is so much more to share, we will hold on to his memory in our hearts and keep our words here brief being reminded of one of Jerry’s favorite sayings, “less is more”.

Jerry survived by his special friend Lois Gleason of Waseca, MN, children Cathryn Shifflett (John) of Waseca, MN, Jennifer Empson (Chris) of Plymouth, MN, Juston Borglum (Julie) of Waseca, MN and Elizabeth Helland (David) of Dodge Center, MN, grandchildren Alexis Patterson (Alex), Natalie Shifflett (Brandon), Michaela Shifflett, Sam Empson, Nick Empson, Joe Empson, Mason Helland, Brody Helland, Brianna Helland and Easton Borglum, his siblings Jo Ann Kelling, Barbara Fennert, Richard Borglum (Marie), Darrell Borglum (Sue), Raymond Borglum (Barb) and Tammy Engen (Paul), along with several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Allan Borglum and Gloria Borglum; grandparents, Dick & Ada Borglum and Harvey & Catherine Hamson; aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation for Jerry will be from 4 – 7 PM on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at the State Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral mass on Thursday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waseca.

Memorials preferred to The ALS Association and American Cancer Society.