Arthur N. Borlaug
April 3, 1918 ~ December 23, 2016
Arthur N. Borlaug, age 98, of New Hampton, IA, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Linn Haven Rehab and Health Care in New Hampton.
A Memorial Service for Arthur will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Pastor Daniel Faugstad officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in New Hampton Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00 PM on Monday, December 26, 2016 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton and will continue at the church one hour prior to the memorial service on Tuesday. Online condolences for Arthur’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Arthur Norman Borlaug was born on April 3, 1918, the eldest child of Ned and Nettie (Olson) Borlaug. He grew up on the family farm and attended the rural Meadowland School through eighth grade. He graduated from New Hampton High School in 1936. In 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army and served until 1946 as a mobile radar specialist, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, overseeing the liberated Dachau prison camp, and earning the Bronze Star. He continued the friendships he made in the service for many decades. Shortly after he joined the army he proposed to Ann Hereid; they were married on April 14, 1944, and Ann was able to follow him until he shipped overseas on the Queen Elizabeth I in August.
After the war, and brief experiences as a farmer, and lineman. Art took a job with Case Implement in 1947. He worked his way up to manager and eventually bought the business. Chickasaw Implement remained his until the property was purchased to make way for the new Sara Lee plant, and he sold the business to Case Power and Equipment.
Art enjoyed life; he liked to work with his church, play golf, take care of the yard, read, and travel with Ann and the family.
Art is survived by Ann, his wife of 72 years; his brother Allen of Saude, Iowa; his children: Gary (Anne) Borlaug of Indianola, Iowa, and Nancy (Kevin) Clefisch of Garnavillo, Iowa; Grandchildren Eric (Kari) Borlaug, James (Lindsey) Borlaug, and Sarah Borlaug, John (Amy) Clefisch and Elizabeth Clefisch, and Ellen (Joel) Zawacki; and Great Grandchildren Andrew, Katelyn, Madison and Nathan Borlaug, Nolyn and Gracelyn Clefisch, and Jack Zawacki. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Vern, Everett, and Dale; and his sister, Norma.
Ann, So sorry to hear about Art’s passing. Thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Joel, Denise and Kylie Franzen
My sincere sympathy to Ann and family.
God Bless.
Mary Wegner
Ann and family……I’m so sorry for the loss of Art. He was a wonderful man that I admired since I was a young boy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of need.
I’m thinking of you, Gary, and your whole family and am sad that you’ve lost your dad. I’m sure he was ready to go; I’m equally sure that you would have loved more time with him–just one more good chat. It’s hard to lose a loved one and especially so at Christmas time. Be assured that all of you are in my prayers.
Julia Hagen
Our sincere sympathy Ann and family. You are in our prayers. Rest in peace Art.
Ann, Gary, Nancy, Allen, and family,
You have our sincere condolences for your loss. Art was such a soft-spoken gentleman who welcomed everyone he met with a smile and hello. We always enjoyed visiting with him whenever we saw him at the golf course, downtown shopping, or at church events. Joe always enjoyed golfing with him in the mornings when he worked second shift at Sara Lee.
Joe and Sharon Haskovec
Our sympathies to Ann and family. I know how much you have all meant to Mom and Dad over the years. Thank you for being such good and kind friends.