Gary John Borgstahl

Gary John Borgstahl, age 65, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on May 12, 2026, at MercyOne in Dubuque after a lengthy illness.   To honor Gary’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Gary’s family.

Gary was born February 22, 1961, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a son to Gerald and Geraldine Borgstahl. He attended the Dubuque schools including Eisenhower grade school, Washington junior high, and Hempstead high school; and eventually completed his education at NICC in Peosta, Iowa.

Gary was married to Giovanna Benavides and Sherrilynn Olson, both unions ending in divorce. Gary eventually married Jannell Rowell on July 27, 2002, and they were married for 21 years before she sadly passed away on October 18, 2023.

Always with a job, Gary began at an early age working in the family business of Midwest Janitorial Service AKA “Jerry’s Jolly Janitors”, before moving onto many years in the construction trades, then finally completing his working career as a custodian for the East Dubuque School District.

Gary was best known for his rambunctious sense of humor and comedic talents. Gary loved to cook and his cuisine always won the cookoffs at Mom’s house. Gary loved the outdoors, camping and canoeing with family and friends, and rarely was without a pet in his life.

Gary worked hard, played harder, gave whatever he had to whomever was in need, and loved with all of his heart!

Those left to cherish the memory of Gary include,

his children,

Andrew Borgstahl, Dubuque, IA,

Shane Borgstahl, Dubuque, IA,

and Kimberly Borgstahl;

his grandchildren,

Carlota Young, Kimberly Latrice Borgstahl, Mya Hill, and Zion Borgstahl;

his siblings,

Greg (Cyndi) Borgstahl, Grace Sims, Gordon (Deb) Borgstahl, Gene (Jennifer) Borgstahl, Gwen (Bill) Dean, and Gloria Borgstahl;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and good friends going as far back to early school days.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother-in law, Bob Sims; and a nephew, Doug Sims.

Gary’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences for Gary’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com