Joseph "Joe" A. Borgen

Dr. Joseph (Joe) A. Borgen passed away January 21, 2015, with his devoted wife, Deborah Ivis Borgen by his side. Joe was born December 14, 1940, the son of Norris and Gertrude (Felde) Borgen in Viroqua, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a B.S. and M.S. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout he completed additional graduate studies at the University of Michigan and received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois-Champaign. Before his retirement Joe served as President and CEO of Des Moines Area Community College for 20 years, where he led a significant expansion of the College, while working closely with business leaders in Economic Development. Joe was often described as a visionary. Prior to his tenure at DMACC, he served as President and CEO of Danville Community College. In his free time, he enjoyed travel, fishing, hiking, biking, reading and spending time with family and friends. Joe is survived by his wife, Deborah of Bella Vista, Ark,; children, Christine Borgen (Chris Eaborn) of Geneva, Switzerland; Kevin Borgen (Dung Nguyen) of San Diego, Calif.; Amy Roberts of Mahomet, IL and Michael Cleff of Lafayette, Ind.; his twin, Mary Ankerberg of Wauwatosa, Wis.; four grandchildren, Ryan and Keaton Roberts and Annabel and Oliver Eaborn. He is also survived by his in-laws, Leonard and Donna Ivis of Parker, Colo.; Dave Ivis (Jean) of Parker, Colo.; Dan Ivis of Boone, Iowa; Jerry Bernholtz (Dianne), New Virginia, Iowa; and Sherry Renze (Jerry) of Carroll, Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents and seven siblings precede him in death. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church Chapel in Bentonville, Ark. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Services are under the care of Callison-Lough Funeral Home, Bentonville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to, DMACC Foundation, Dr. Joseph A. Borgen Endowment Fund; 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd., Building 22, Ankeny, Iowa 50023. Online condolences can be made at www.callisonlough.com.