Gerald (Jerry) P. Borrell
Borrell, Gerald Paul, age 93 peacefully passed away while surrounded by his family on April 28, 2023, in Brooklyn Park, MN (formerly of Waverly and Delano). Gerald was born on June 8, 1929, to Joseph and Emily (Coyea) Borrell and raised on the family farm south of Waverly, with his five siblings. While growing up on the family farm he worked along side his father, siblings, uncle Fritz and his grandfather George. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Waverly in 1948 and enlisted in the Army in January 1949, served active duty until 1950 and then remained in the Army Reserves until September 1954. On July 9, 1955, he was united in marriage, to Therese Ditty of Delano, MN at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Delano. They made their first home in West St. Paul, where Gerald was a monument salesperson and began their family. After a few years, they moved to Delano and continued adding to their family, raising six children and he began working as a plumber for Ditty Plumbing and Heating in Delano. He also spent time working for Hennepin County as a Deputy Sheriff and was a member of the Delano Fire Department. After moving to the City of Independence, he worked part time as a police officer while remaining a full-time plumber. He eventually took a position as the Supervisor of Facility Management for the Delano School District in 1975, retiring after 20 years in 1995. After retirement, Gerald and Therese built a new home on the north shore of Waverly Lake in 1998. At the lake, Gerald enjoyed water skiing, hosting family events, pontoon rides, bonfires, gardening and time spent with his grandchildren. In 2014, they returned to Delano and enjoyed townhome living for a few years until a final move to senior living at St. Therese Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park. Gerald was preceded in death by Therese, his wife of 66 years, his parents, daughter Nanette Blanchette, son Dennis Borrell, brothers Donald, Marion, Danny and sister Lou Jandro, brothers in-law, John Jandro, Rich, Paul and Tom Ditty, Dick Hemberger and Jim Stevens, sisters-in-law Donna Ditty, Marcella Borrell, Marie Borrell, Sherry Borrell and Mary Jane Borrell. He is survived by his loving daughters Jenine Johnson, Julie (Tony) Van Beusekom, Paula (Stuart) Pysick, son George (Mary) Borrell, sons-in-law Tom (Angie) Blanchette, David Larson, 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, brother Clayton (Geraldine) Borrell in-laws Mary Grengs, Carol Hemberger, Nancy Stevens, Catherine (George) Kraemer, Ardella Ditty and Barb Ditty.

Memorial Mass was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waverly. Inurnment will be at a later date in the church cemetery. Mass was livestreamed on the Iten Funeral Home Youtube page, through the link provided below:

https://youtube.com/live/QyJi6cDku_k