Gene Borns

Gene Borns, age 91, of Dell Rapids, SD, formerly of Watertown, SD, passed away, surrounded by family, on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Dells Rehab in Dell Rapids, SD. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.

Gene Borns was born on January 11, 1935, in Watertown, SD, to Arnold and Anna (Barnes) Borns. He was raised on the family farm near Florence, SD, and in 1953 he graduated from Florence High School.
On June 18, 1955, Gene was united in marriage with Sheila Stemwedel at Florence. They made their home in Watertown until moving to Dell Rapids, SD, in 1971.
Gene managed a grocery store in Watertown for 10 years before becoming a sales representative for Sunshine foods. He was then employed at Dakota acoustic tile company before starting his own automotive body shop in 1982. He was self-employed until his retirement.

He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball in his younger years, in addition to hunting and fishing. In retirement he resumed his skills as a carpenter and woodworker, having built homes for family and friends through the years.  He was an avid Vikings and Minnesota Twins fan in addition to following Duke Basketball.

Grateful for having shared his life are: his wife, Sheila, Dell Rapids; children: Kathryn (Keith) Quigley, New Zealand; Cindy Joyet, Berthoud, CO; Mike (Etta) Borns, Dell Rapids, SD; Kimberly Krueger, Colorado Springs, CO; Sharon Miller, Highlands Ranch, CO; Jim Borns (Marissa Hanson), Garretson, SD; Jennifer LaForest, Belgrade, MT. Brother-in-law, Brian (Delores) Stemwedel, Watertown, SD. Grandchildren: Josh (Jessica) Borns, Rachel (Andrew) Langner, Kyle Krueger, Sam Borns, Carmen Vreugdenhil, Zach LaForest, and Samantha LaForest and eight great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were: an infant son, Scott; his parents, brother, Gale, sister, Neva, and several brother and sister-in-laws.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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