Ralph Borgeson

Ralph Irwin Borgeson Jr., 86, passed away on September 10, 2019.

Ralph was born on December 6, 1932 in Colby, KS to Ralph and Mildred (Haug) Borgeson. He graduated from Colby High School, and shortly after joined the United States Army, serving four years. Much of that time was spent in Alaska, studying dentistry. Upon his return to Colby, KS he met and married Betty Jo “BJ” Henningsen. Soon after, Ralph and BJ moved from the wheat fields of western Kansas to Kansas City, where he began his lifelong career as an airline mechanic for TWA. Ralph was a longtime member of Elks Lodge #2376 and St. Charles Borromeo Parish. He was also a proud member and supporter of the International Association of Machinist labor union. When he wasn’t hard at work he enjoyed working his New York Times crossword puzzles, watching the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, and spending time with family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids. Ralph is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Betty Jo Borgeson; his parents and sister, Lyla Lambert He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his sons, Doug (Sandy) Borgeson, Tim Borgeson and Jeff (Marcy) Borgeson; grandchildren, Kyle, Paige, Cameron, Ricky, Jeffery, and Leanna; and great-grandchildren, William and Savannah. A memorial mass will be held at St. Charles Borremeo Parish on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11:00am, with a reception following at the Elks Lodge #2376 in Gladstone, MO at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Elks Lodge (2641, 7010 N Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64118).