Ernest Borr

Ernest Bernard Borr, 82, Bismarck, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2017. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 pm Tuesday, February 7, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St., Bismarck, with Msgr. Thomas Richter and Rev. Al Bitz officiating. Burial will be held at 3:00 pm Tuesday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Monday, February 6, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a vigil will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Ernest was born in Strasburg, ND, on August 20, 1934, the son of Ernest Oliver Borr and Kathryn (Schafer) Borr. While growing up, Ernie was active in many school activities including sports, music, and the Boy Scouts, where he earned his Eagle badge prior to graduating from Strasburg High School in 1952. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Jamestown College in 1956. While at college, he met his wife, Donna (Hall), and they were married in 1957. Ernie served his country briefly in the U.S. Army and upon release began his family and career. The couple moved to Mandan, ND, where Ernie started a 20 year career in music education. His achievements in music education were numerous and notable, especially his work with the Mandan High School Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble, as well as his activities with the North Dakota Education Association. He earned a Master’s Degree in music from Colorado State University in 1962. Mary College hired Ernie in 1972 to initiate a band program. In his first four years, he was instrumental in creating a major in music and establishing a jazz festival that continues to attract world-class artists and outstanding school jazz bands. In 1976, Ernie was named the college’s first Vice President of Public Affairs. Working in concert with the administration, the college successfully completed several major gift campaigns, built several new campus structures, added new academic majors, and transitioned to the University of Mary. In 1990, Ernie became an independent fund raising consultant, serving non-profit organizations in the upper Midwest. Raising millions of dollars for worthy causes became his passion, as he consulted and assisted with numerous projects. Throughout his lifetime, he was active in the Elks and the Knights of Columbus. Upon retirement, Donna and Ernie split their time between Arizona and North Dakota, where he renewed his interest and activity in local community musical groups. He was the music director and conductor of the West River Winds Community Band based in Mandan for a number of years. While in Mesa, AZ, he was the associate conductor of the Viewpoint Concert Band, as well as the founder and director of the Viewpoint Classic Chorale. Ernie is survived by his children, David (Donna), Thomas (Lori), Richard, Karen, and Michael (Mari); his grandchildren, Kimberly (Nolan) Schaefbauer, Linda (Chad) Mertz, Brian (Jessika) Borr, and Anthony Borr; his great-grandchildren, Madison, Evan, Charlotte, and Andrew; his sisters, Gracia (Bob) Becker and Donnarae Zander (special friend Pete Fleck); brother-in-law Florian Bauman; sister-in-law Jane Borr, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents; his brother, Walter Borr; and his sisters, Kathy Bauman and Mary Beth (Burt) Ziegler. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.