Fred Bornsen

Frederick W. Bornsen, 96, died peacefully at First Care Health Center in Park River on Wednesday, March 23.

Fred was born to Fred and Agnes Bornsen on June 30, 1925, on the family farm west of Larimore, where he was also raised.

Fred married Eva (Braaten) Bornsen on September 16, 1946, at Crookston, Minnesota. During their 70-year marriage, they had four children of their own and opened their home to many family members and friends. The recipes served around their table often featured produce from Fred’s garden. He was a talented gardener and fisherman and served with the Larimore Volunteer Fire Department for many years. He also enjoyed watching sports and had a gift for remembering local names and stories.

Professionally, Fred worked in the propane industry with Cliff Olson Supply and Mutch Oil for nearly 40 years, delivering propane and repairing furnaces. He was known for his work ethic and problem solving skills. He was also known for his integrity, which earned him the clearance to deliver propane to missile sites stretching from the Canadian border to I-94 and Highway 18 to Starkweather during the Cold War. He put a lot of miles on his truck and met many interesting people throughout his career.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Eva, two infant sons, a son-in-law, his parents, and his siblings.

Fred will be deeply missed by his son Fred, Jr. (Heather) of Enderlin, ND; his daughter Janice Olson of Larimore; grandchildren Kristi (Pat) Christensen of Battle Lake, MN; Donald Bornsen (ReNae Motl) of Fargo; Lynn (Len) Boom of Marion, ND; Ashley (Curt) Mann of Durbin, ND; Dawn (Cary) Murphy of Clay Center, KS; Tim Olson of Larimore; Matt (Jana) Olson of Valley City; Luke Olson of Williston; 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, at Renew Church of the Nazarene, 501 E. Third St., Larimore. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be at Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore.