Charles “Chuck” Borgen
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Private family burial for Charles “Chuck” Borgen, 83, Lawrence, KS will be held at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery. He died April 4, 2021 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS.
He was born October 25, 1937, the youngest son of Roy and Mary Jane Fritz Borgen.
As a teenager Chuck worked at his parents’ business, the Dine-A-Mite Inn, a popular restaurant and night spot during the 50s and 60s. After their retirement, Chuck became the manager until the business was sold. He then managed the Borgen Liquor Store located in the Hillcrest Shopping Center until his retirement in 1997.
Chuck served in the Army in the Engineer Branch and then the Army Reserve from 1962-68.
Chuck enjoyed sailing and flying. He could repair any engine, large or small, as evidenced by keeping his 1979 Jeep operational. However, his dream of building an airplane remained a work in progress in his basement.
He is survived by his brother, Richard and his wife Judy Borgen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; two daughters, Lori Vega and Lea Stroud, as well as six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. His parents and a son, Lance, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Plymouth Congregational Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
We will miss seeing our friend and classmate around Lawrence. He was always friendly and usually had something funny to say. RIP Chuck.
Chuck was a long time friend and fellow member of the Traveler’s Protective Association. Special thanks to Judge Michael Malone, Chuck’s super neighbor.
I will miss visiting with Chuck…..A special friend and customer….
We couldn’t have a better neighbor or great friend. We moved across the street from Chuck in 1985 and he has been part of our lives for the past three decades. Chuck was always willing to help us anytime we needed him and losing him is like losing a brother. We agree that he always had a joke ready to tell . . . many of them were the kind that we did not hesitate to tell our young grandchildren and they would groan at some and laugh hysterically at others. Of course, he was a walking encyclopedia of Lawrence history. From the Dine-A-Mite and Wilt Chamberlin to Borgen’s Liquor, he had a story for every occasion.
Dick and Judy, we are so sorry for your loss.
Mike and Barbara Malone
Chuck was a wonderful friend to have in the neighborhood! Always super friendly and fun to chat with. Will miss seeing him working in his yard, walking and running into him at Hyvee. Rest in peace Chuck!
Brother Chuck was an avid spectator sport fan. He held Jayhawk football and basketball season tickets till his retirement. He donated to the Williams Fund and has a family brick by Fog Allen’s statue outside of Allen Fieldhouse. Since his retirement Chuck followed sailing, volleyball, golf, football, basketball and most spectator sports on TV. He was loyal and enjoyed family and friends. He will be missed!
We knew Chuck early on from going to the Dine-A-Mite, but we could only go when we were at least in high school. Gordon Stucker, one of our best friends, was a good friend of Chuck’s. We became neighbors just around the corner, and renewed acquaintance upon moving back to Lawrence in 1999. My sympathy goes to your family at your loss! Mary Lou Penny
My parents were Lawrence natives and KU grads. They were good friends of Roy and Mary and their hangout was the Dine-A-Mite. As my sister and I grew up in Colorado, we always looked forward to Christmas and Thanksgiving trips to Lawrence, which always included gatherings with the Borgen family.
I didn’t really get to know Chuck well until I was an adult. He was a great guy and always lent a helping hand. In the fall of 1988 I was limping into Lawrence for an overnight stay on my way back to Colorado from a summer construction adventure in New England. The alternator went out on my 1966 Volvo and Chuck helped me find an electrical shop to rebuild the part, put me up for a couple of days, and made the whole exasperating situation a positive rather than negative experience.
Chuck was always a big Jayhawk booster, and on many occasions pulled strings to get our family tickets to Allen Fieldhouse or Memorial Stadium. He and I had a running bet on any CU vs. KU as well as Broncos vs. Chief games. The wager was always $1, and was occasional paid in pennies or Canadian or Australian dollars.
We will miss Chuck, who was a part of our family, as were his parents.
RIP and Godspeed.
I was so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. I saw him last fall at HyVee and we had a pleasant conversation. My husband Phil and I were patrons of Borgen’s Liquor and Phil, having grown up in Lawrence, had known Chuck for years.
We acted as hosts for a Cardinal Club Fly-In on the island of Kauai where Chuck joined us and they may have boosted his interest in airplanes. I will miss his great smiles and quick laughter.