Jan Terrance Borg, age 81, of Duluth, MN, passed away on December 3, 2025, at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital following a brief and unexpected illness. He was surrounded by his family.
Jan was born in Aitkin, MN, on June 22, 1944, to Dr. Glenn Leemhuis and Charlotte (Mainella) Borg. At age two, he moved to Duluth with his mother and sister, spending summers in Aitkin until the passing of his father when Jan was 13. He attended St. Michael’s Parochial School and graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1962. After high school, he joined the Army and later attended Dunwoody Vocational School.
Jan spent most of his career in the food service industry. He was part-owner of Sandy’s Restaurant and later Hardee’s in the 1960s and 1970s. He went on to fulfill his dream of owning his own restaurant—Burger Station—which he operated throughout the 1980s and 1990s before retiring in 2003.
In October 1965, Jan married his junior high sweetheart, Sharon June Stay. They shared over 42 years of marriage until Sharon’s passing in December 2007.
During retirement, Jan found joy in golf and served as President of the Senior Golf League at Enger. He cherished the friendships built on the course. In the winter months, he hosted a weekly Thursday morning cribbage group at his home and later Enger. Jan was a truly social person who enjoyed time with friends—whether over lunch, cribbage, or a round of golf.
Above all, Jan adored his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Papa.” He attended countless activities and sporting events, always expressing how blessed he felt to be part of their lives. He was proud of each of them and treasured every moment spent together.
Jan was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sharon; parents, Charlotte Borg and Dr. Glenn Leemhuis; adoptive father, Eugene Borg; and sisters, Leslie Holland-Gordon and Debra Helquist.
He is survived by his children: Kevin (Jera) Borg, Darren (Heidi) Borg, Janelle (Scott) Schulz, and Julie (Nathan) Dallmann; grandchildren: Katia, Kylie, Justin, Jasmine, and Julia Borg; Ella, Sophie, and Noah Schulz; Connor, Adam, Ethan, and Hunter Dallmann; former daughter-in-law, Susana Cunha; sister, Carla (Mark) Anderson; brother-in-law, Frank Helquist; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and physicians at St. Luke’s Hospice for the compassionate care shown to Jan during his final days.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 11th at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM and a reception. Interment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery, where Jan will be laid to rest beside his sweetheart, Sharon.
