FED THE MANY, LOVED THE ONE

Borge Allen Zierke, age 60, of Palm Bay, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on April 10, 2026.

Borge was born on October 18, 1965. He served his country with honor in the United States Army as a 19D Cavalry Scout. He carried that same strength, discipline, and loyalty into every area of his life.

Borge pursued his passion for cooking by earning his AAS in Culinary Arts from Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa, and later completed additional training at the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie, New York. He built an accomplished career as a chef, including serving as Executive Sous Chef at the Iowa State Room at the University of Iowa and as Executive Chef for Southeast Missouri State University.

During his culinary career, Borge cooked for politicians under the watch of the Secret Service while working as Executive Chef at Mason’s in Easton Maryland, and for celebrities associated with films such as Wedding Crashers and Failure to Launch. He always had great stories from those experiences.

He ultimately achieved his dream of owning his own high-end steakhouse and martini bar, The Fireside in both Kalona and North Liberty, IA. He won the first annual North Liberty Blues and BBQ competition in 2009. He later consulted and assisted with several other successful restaurants before transitioning into the final chapter of his career as a USDA Food Safety Inspector.

Borge was a servant at heart. If you needed anything, he would find a way to help. He was known for tracking down the best deals online and for generously sharing what he found. Friends and family could count on receiving a sample of his award-winning BBQ rub at holidays or even just because they stopped by. He showed love through action, often through cooking, providing, and meeting practical needs.

Borge was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married his wife, Shawn, in Eldora, Iowa, in May 1992, and they shared 34 faithful years together. He was a proud father of six children and a grandfather of four. He was especially grateful that each of his children has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. His youngest son, Samuel, was a gift from God and a miracle child, and the two shared a deeply special bond.

He loved the Minnesota Vikings and rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. He always hoped his son Eric would work with the Minnesota Vikings. He valued time with family, good food, and meaningful connection. SKOL!

Borge loved Jesus Christ and lived his life with that foundation. He fought hard through illness with courage and perseverance. In the end, after an intense battle with cancer, complications related to MRSA brought his earthly life to a close. His faith remained firm.

He is survived by his wife, Shawn Michelle ( Hurley) Zierke, his six children, Alexandra Daniel (Austin, Arlo, Lorraina) of Oak Hill FL, Rachel Long (Luke, Shepherd) of Sanford FL, James Zierke (Mikaley, Eliana) of Cedar Rapids IA, Susana Zierke of Palm Bay FL, Eric Zierke of Lynchburg VA and minor child Samuel Zierke, four grandchildren, his father Arlen Zierke of Hubbard Iowa, his brothers Eric Carl Zierke of Hubbard Iowa and David Zierke of Iowa City, IA and his mother-in-law, Janet Osincup Hurley, Miami FL, and extended family who loved him deeply.

Borge was preceded in death by his mother, Sana Kay (Larson) Zierke, Hubbard IA in 2020, and his father-in-law, Michael James Hurley Jr., Miami FL in 2002.

Borge will be laid to rest with military honors and bag pipe music on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Lane A.

A memorial service will be held in Iowa on June 20, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hubbard Golf and Country Club, 21251 County Hwy D55, Hubbard, Iowa 50122.

In lieu of flowers, gifts and expressions of support may be sent to: The Zierke Family 185 Brandy Creek Cir SE Palm Bay, FL 32909

Borge will be remembered as a man of faith, a man of service, and a man who loved his family well.

Arrangements are under the direction of Millennium Cremation Service. Condolences may be shared at www.millenniumcremationservice.com.