J. Elwood Borgeson

Ali Borgeson knew that his life was filled with blessings. He was a devout Christian who tried each day to follow the Lords example. His family was his greatest treasure, and he cherished all the time that he spent with his beloved wife, children, and grandkids. Following the sinking of the Lusitania, President Woodrow Wilson led his country into the First World War. In this time of uncertainty, Joseph and his wife Helga (Nordwick) Borgeson maintained their positive spirits by focusing on a different future, the future of their family. They were expecting a child, and on July 28, 1916 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son J. Elwood Ali Borgeson. Ali was born in Manistee, Michigan, where he grew up with the company of his five brothers and three sisters. During the Second World War he served in the Marine Air Corp as a control tower operator. He was discharged after four years and returned to Michigan. He settled in Muskegon where he joined the National Guard and served as a warrant officer. On September 10, 1943 Ali married Elaine Betty Brooks. They were blessed with three daughters, Susan, Dianne, and Cynthia, and one son, Robert. To provide for his family, Ali worked a variety of jobs before signing on with Brunswick. He then worked in Production Control for seventeen years, until his retirement in 1984. He also refereed basketball at the high school and junior college levels for twenty-three years. Ali was an active member of Forest Park Covenant Church, located in Muskegon. He was a faithful and dedicated Christian who enjoyed sharing his faith with family, friends, and fellow congregants. Ali was a Sunday School teacher, deacon, church secretary, and a member of the choir. He also played an active role in youth activities, coaching the church baseball and basketball teams. Ali was a humble man who dedicated his life to his family and his church. Among the many people whose hearts he touched, he will be greatly missed and frequently remembered. Ali is survived by his wife, Elaine Betty; 2 daughters, Dianne (Marvin) Wheaton, Cynthia (Richard) Topping; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; Sister, Ruth Wagner-Hogston; special family member, Mary Jane Bard. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert, in 1984; a daughter, Susan, in 1990; 5 brothers and 2 sisters.