05/29/2026
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Dana Borglum, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. Dana, age 90, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
A Celebration of Dana’s life will be held on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m. at the Iris Country Gardens, 2202 Austin Rd., Geneva, NY 14456, please bring your own lawn chairs.
Dana was born on May 14, 1935, at the family home in Penn Yan, to the late Tenus and Gerda Jensen Borglum. He was a graduate of Penn Yan Academy. Dana’s employment history was rich and varied, and most of his life, he held multiple jobs at the same time. His work life began on his family’s farm, then he bought and moved to his own farm in Benton. He also drove truck for Agway, and was an artificial inseminator, working seven days a week. Dana was an award-winning salesman for Harvestore. Following this, he owned and operated the Gorham Grocery Store for several years. Next, he worked for Ontario County Department of Weights and Measures as an inspector. During this time, he began to try his hand at hybridizing iris. He had so many spectacular seedlings, that this led to the opening of Borglum’s Iris Farm in the early 1980’s. His farm grew into a beautiful and stunning display of flower gardens. Out of many thousands of seedlings, Dana registered almost 40 iris, 3 peonies, and 1 daylily. He received the D***s Memorial Medal for his Siberian Iris that he named Lake Keuka, and received the “Best New Variety” in the United States for one of his species crosses. He was a member of the American Iris Association and the American Peony Association. He owned and operated Borglum Iris Gardens on Austin Road for 50 years, retiring from his flower business at age 83. He then drove Mennonites until age 89.
Dana married Norma Jean Wright on June 17th, 1956. After 41 years of a blessed marriage, Norma passed away. Dana then met Sylvia, and they were married for 27 years. Dana is survived by his wife, Sylvia Borglum; his children, Steven (Sherri) Borglum, Karla (Mark) Santoro and Kristina (Donald) Kinney; step-children, Aubrey (Kim) Brumfield, Larry (Torie) Brumfield and Craig (Soraya) Fish; grandchildren, Stefanie, Caley, Jared, Dane, Justin, Rachel, Nathan, Ally, Alicia, Hans, Caleb, Gabriel, Hannah and Seth; 14 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Dana was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Norma; and his siblings Knud, Ardis, Gregor, Carsten, Gerald and Barty.
Dana will be lovingly remembered for his robust energy, passion, and love for life. These traits were passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Happy Hearts Workshop at 692 Lovejoy Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527 to help with the construction of the Precious Gems building for special needs Mennonite children.
Please visit www.perkinsamesfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to Dana’s Family.
