Alvin Edwin Borkenhagen

Alvin Edwin Borkenhagen was born on October 3, 1909 in Shelby Township, Blue Earth County, MN to Gustav and Mathilda (Salfisberg) Borkenhagen. He was baptized on his day of birth by his grandmother. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church-Fieldon on March 25, 1923. Alvin attended Trinity Lutheran School and District 83. On November 24, 1935, Alvin was united in marriage to Lorena Urban at St. John's Lutheran Church-Willow Creek. They lived on their farm for 58 years and moved to Truman in 1999. Alvin retired early because of his failing eyesight. That didn't stop him from helping his family with gardening and repair projects. Alvin had many interests. He ran a threshing machine when he was 16 years old. Alvin enjoyed music and played many musical instruments. He also enjoyed gardening and planting fruit trees. He often grafted several varieties onto an established tree. Family and friends were often the recipients of the fruits of his labor. His Bible was well read and he also enjoyed Bible tapes. He served on the board for Dist. 83 as treasurer and on the Trinity Lutheran Church Financial Committee. Alvin was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church-Fieldon. Alvin's wife Lorena died on September 11, 2000. He moved into the Lutheran Retirement Home in December of 2000. Alvin is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Berniece and Ronnie Schultz of Truman, Margie and Donnie Kroells of Hamburg, MN, and Doris Morgensen of Spooner, WI; seven grandchildren, Sonia and Daryl Hoewisch, Faith and Robert Sitzman, Tim and Lynn Schultz, Theresa Knolls, Daniel and Ann Kroells, James and Von Morgensen, Susie and Carl Weitzenkamp; ten great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; three great, great grandchildren; one sister, Arlene Green and her husband James of Falls Church, VA; one brother Marvin Borkenhagen and his wife Dorothy of Truman; one sister-in-law, Erna Borkenhagen of Truman. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, five brothers, one infant brother, one sister, and one infant sister. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Martin Luther High School and the local Lutheran Hour Ministries.