Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Donald J. Borngesser

1932 - 2024

BORN

1932

DIED

2024

Donald Borngesser Obituary

Donald J. Borngesser passed away peacefully in Kenner, LA on the morning of May 1, 2024, at the age of 91. Mr. Borngesser was born on July 21, 1932, in St. Joseph, MO. He leaves behind his sister, Jeanine Glise, his nephews Anthony and Christopher Glise, and his stepson John Eric Ward III (Gema) along with his granddaughter, Giuliana Ward. He was preceded in death by his son, Donald J. "Sonny" Borngesser, Jr., and his niece, Tammy Sue Norris. Don was a star high school athlete in several sports; during his senior year, he won Outstanding Athlete of his school. He served in the Army during the Korean War. Don had an amazing, if unusual, sense of humor. Married and divorced five times, he characterized all his wives as suffering from the same flaw - they were terrible at picking husbands. He was a life-long, award-winning member of Toastmasters, and his speech covering his second day in Heaven (the first day would be spent filling out forms) was a comedy classic. He began his business career selling women's undergarments to department stores throughout the South - or as he liked to put it, he was in ladies' underwear for several years. Then Don opened his own highly successful real estate firm, Borngesser Realty Company - selling, leasing, and managing commercial, industrial, and residential properties for over 30 years. Don's unique sense of humor and his always-ready smile will be missed by his friends at Toastmasters and the Rotary Club, along with his many other friends and associates. Always generous, Don donated his body to Tulane Medical School. A private celebration of his life will be held in his memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from May 2 to May 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Borngesser

20 Entries

Paul Langevin

October 13, 2024

Good bye breaux

Chris Rousselle

May 27, 2024

Chris Rousselle

May 27, 2024

Chris Rousselle

May 27, 2024

What a great Toastmaster friend Don was to me. Definitely positive, kept himself in great physical shape. When the Toastmaster club unfortunately folded because of COVID Don could run rings around people. I just wished that I spent more time with him outside of Toastmasters. Yes, the dog "snookie" stories were quite enjoyable. He loved my mother(Ida Mae), better known as "froggie" within the club. He would be glad that he and froggie died at the same age.

This family of his is better for having him on this earth.

Gema Ward

May 11, 2024

Don, I never thought this day would come, much less so soon. Don was my husband´s Stepfather. Don loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. When I think of Don, three words come to my mind: stubborn, independent, and hilarious. Stubborn, because he was always set in his ideas and no one could change his mind. Perhaps, I should use the word determined, instead as he never gave up. INDEPENDENT, totally!!! He would never ask for help and would try to fix EVERYTHING by himself even if he did not know how. Don, loved to do everything for himself, from cooking to fixing everything around his house. He would say "Oh, I can fix that better than the roofers, I just need to find time". Don, was always busy doing something, whether it was filing papers, arguing with his computer, on the phone talking to clients, fixing his car, working around the house, or reading. He loved to read. Don would walk his dog twice a day no matter what- even under a storm early in the morning or after a late night out. Don loved dogs, specially "snookie". Don was also HILARIOUS and was the life of the party. He would make everyone laugh and he would come up with very creative ideas like dressing up like a hippie and making me wear his suit to show up incognito at the restaurant where Eric worked to surprise him and watch him work. Everyone stared at us that night wondering who we were. Clients thought we were some famous people trying to hide from the fans. That was a hilarious night. Don was also very creative when it came to silly Santa´s gifts exchange at Christina´s Christmas parties.
Don was a very positive person, with a huge heart and always willing to help others. He loved his sister Janine and would save every Sunday evening to talk to her over the phone. I could go on and on with stories over the years but what I want you all to know is that Don was very special and unique. We celebrate his life today and all those great memories will live in our hearts forever. He will truly be missed but this is not a good bye, it´s a see you soon as he only left before us. We love you Donny boy or as Eric would say: We love you Chief!!!

Gema Ward

May 11, 2024

Gema Ward

May 11, 2024

Gema Ward

May 11, 2024

Gema Ward

May 11, 2024

Gema Ward

May 11, 2024

Julie Kelly

May 10, 2024

My dear Don, you were my saving grace by coming into my life in 2010, right after losing my mom and Dad within months of each other. You shared the same July 21 birthday as my mom, and i always felt mom sent you to make me smile again, and smile i did! Thanks for the trips to the circus, the Zoo, the tour of Louisiana plantations and wildlife sanctuary. We always had such fun! Thanks for all you did to make me smile and feel cared for. I will miss you being on this earth. This world has lost an adorable, lovable being. I am thankful you were part of my life. RIP Donnie!

Eric Ward

May 9, 2024

As my stepfather, Don was a great role model. He had his own business, he was kind, generous, rarely became upset, he was never afraid to make people laugh at his own expense. Don taught me how to be independent, look up my own answers, and think for myself. I don´t know how many times I am asked how to spell a word growing up, but he always told me to look it up in the dictionary. However, as I grew older I realized that Don was not always a great at spelling, lol. I will truly miss Don, and I am sincerely thankful to him for loving me, taking care of me, teaching me in life.

John Ward

May 3, 2024

We will forever miss Don, and his wonderful humor. He made our lives so much more interesting.

Jack Emling

May 3, 2024

Sincere condolences, I worked for Don while in high school, he always paid me well! Hard to believe that was 50 years ago. RIP, Jack Emling

Christopher Glise

May 3, 2024

When i think of Uncle Don. Kindness and compassion for those around him comes to mind. That of course was expressed through his wit, intelligence and incredible sense of humor. Next to my own father and grandfather, Don was, is and will be the man who's "larger than life" character and personality gave me guidance more than once. I am forever grateful for the stories Don would tell, especially of his years growing up in St Joe and his ever present ability to lighten any situation! He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him!

Sylvia turrell

May 3, 2024

Sincere condolences to the entire family.

Lori M

May 3, 2024

Eric and family,

I´m so sorry to hear about Uncle Don. I will always cherish our memories together and all of the Hollidays playing Horse on the basketball court. He will be greatly missed.

Anthony GLISE

May 3, 2024

Uncle Donny was irreverently funny, and he was always a joy to be with.
His love of family, sports, and his dogs was balanced by a monumental understanding of business.

Our family spent countless summer vacations in New Orleans and he hosted me when I gave my first concert in New Orleans at Tulane Univ., thanks to the kindness of Maestro Elias Barreiro.

With his outrageous humor, Donny was the one you could always talk with to lighten a difficult situation and still get solid advice on the most serious issue.

Even during our last visit to New Orleans a few months ago, he never lost his humor nor his grasp of empathetic support.

Don was our one true Uncle and he will be missed beyond belief.

Sincerely,
Anthony GLISE
- (nephew)

Sharon Lewis

May 3, 2024

Meet Don with his wife Bonnie at NOTC.

Bonnie McAfee

May 3, 2024

Jeannine, Tony, Chris, Eric , Gema and Giuliana- I am so sorry for your loss. Don was always a positive influence on everyone he met. He had the most eccentric, corny sense of humor. One never knew what to expect when it came to exchanging gag gifts. I can´t tell you of how thankful I am that he came into my life when he did. He was the most attentive, loving second father to Eric. He was the one that made sure Eric participated in sports and other after school activities. I am so grateful that he was always there to pick up the slack at home while I was busy working full time. He put his heart into everything he did whether it be running road races, public speaking, mentoring, working or being a stepfather. Don, I wasn´t terrible at picking you for a husband. I wouldn´t be the person I am today without having met and loving you. You turned my life around, and helped me to quit smoking cigarettes and start running. I could never have raised Eric on my own. We had 17 years together, and almost all of it was good. I hope you have them laughing in heaven. I hope all of your kitties and puppies are with you now in the after-life as well as the multitude of good friends that beat you to the punch. God bless you, Don. The world is a little less funny today because you are not here.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results