Borghild “Borgie” (Teigland) Nassen, age 96, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on Nov.16, 2019. Born on Feb. 24, 1923, in Willmar, Minn., Borgie majored in speech and music at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, with the class of 1943. While at Luther, she served as curator and host of the college radio station’s (KWLC) classical music program and held membership in Pi Kappa Delta, the national honor society for collegiate speech and debate. After college, she worked in the Classical Music Department of Dayton’s of Minneapolis where she was recognized as classical records sales staff leader.
Married to the Right Reverend Dr. A.P. Nassen ‘43, a pastor and bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its predecessor organizations, Borghild worked in partnership in their ministry of 50 years to congregations in Nashwauk and Battle Lake, Minn., and Stoughton and Beloit, Wis., as well as to the Southern Wisconsin District (Synod) of the American Lutheran Church, located in Janesville, Wis., whose delegation she led to the First Triennial General Convention of ALC Women. They moved to Dallas in 1976 where he served as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church until their retirement in 1991.
Borghild was an accomplished pipe organist and pianist, serving as organist for three congregations and as a member of the American Guild of Organists. She served as well as accompanist for numerous high school band musicians participating in Wisconsin’s state solo and ensemble contests. Devoted to her family and children throughout her life, she instilled in each an appreciation for striving ever for excellence in their personal and professional lives.
Borghild continued her musical, interior design, sewing, and culinary pursuits in retirement and, in keeping with her Norwegian heritage, found great enjoyment in boating and fishing on Lake Ray Hubbard, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in British Columbia. Since 2012 she resided in the Edgemere retirement community in Dallas.
Borghild is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Paula Nassen ‘69 and Peter G. Poulos; and son and daughter-in-law, John W. Nassen ’73, and Corinne W. Nassen. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, Albert P. (A.P.) Nassen ‘43; daughter, Andrea M. Nassen ‘70; parents, John L. and Anna Olson Teigland; brother John R.L. Teigland; and infant brother Paul Teigland.
A funeral service was conducted on Nov. 22, 2019, in the chapel at Sparkman/Hillcrest Memorial Park, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, by the Rev. Greg Pickens, associate for pastoral studies of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. A private interment service followed. Memorial donations may be made in Borghild Nassen’s memory to the Organ Fund of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 749 Bluff Street, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511.