Roy Jorgenson, Fergus Falls, MN, formerly Thief River Falls, MN, 99, passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 17, 2020 at MN Veterans Home, Fergus Falls, MN.
Military Honors and flag presentation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 2:15 PM on the East side of Trinity Lutheran Church for family and friends. Singing of Happy Birthday and cake sharing will end the service on what would have been Roy’s 100th birthday.
Roy Albert Jorgenson was born August 22, 1920 in Foldahl Township, Marshall County, near Warren, MN, the son of Harry and Mary (Metheny) Johnson. He attended a single room school in Marshall County, and graduated Newfolden High School, Newfolden, MN in 1939. He attended “Normal School” in Warren and graduated as School Teacher. He taught in one room rural schools in 1941& 1942.
Roy served his country during World War II from January 29, 1943-September 25, 1945. He flew 26 missions over France, Belgium and Germany as Ball Turret Gunner in B24’s. A vivid memory of Roy’s was flying over the English Channel covered with ships on D-Day for as far as he could see. He was an 8th Air Force Veteran and received a Purple Heart.
On November 22, 1969, Roy was united in marriage to Catherine Jensen at St. Bernard’s Church, Thief River Falls, MN. He worked as a salesman and bookkeeper for Northern Motors, Thief River Falls, MN, from 1948-1965, Director of Inter County Community Council, Oklee, MN, from 1966-1984.
In 1984, Roy retired and spent enjoyable times at his “piece of the rock” lake home at Arnesen’s Rocky Point, Lake of the Woods. He was a Loving Husband, Foster Parent, loved fishing, hunting, picking berries, dancing, gardening, canning pickles, making wine, cooking, reading, collecting coins, buying/ selling at Flea Markets and Auctions, Democratic politics, mentoring grandkids, speaking to school children, and playing poker with the brothers-in-law. He was also noted for awesome blueberry pancakes for all who could come to his table. He authored two books: “The Lean Years” and “The War Years”.
Roy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN, member of the Eagles, Elk, lifetime member of the VFW, and American Legion, (including Post Commander of VFW and Legion) all Thief River Falls and also served as a Thief River Falls City Councilman from 1962-1967.
He spent the last 13 years of his life as a resident of the wonderful Fergus Falls Veterans Home where he was honored, loved & cherished by the staff and family.
Survivors include four children: Cheri Jensen, Judy (Ron) Lindberg, Mary (Dean) Otto and Wendy Jensen; 10 grandchildren: Pauline Norgard, Jennifer Hanestad, Kristi Howard, Zak Otto, Nick Otto, Kelly Ryan, Cory Ryan, Scott Graef, Jeff Graef and Stacy Graef; 22 great grandchildren: Mikaela, Anna, Emma and Luke Norgard; Christian, Annika, Noah, Elizabeth and Silas Hanestad; Cameron and Greta Howard, Lydia, Helena and Juliet Otto; Braden, Emma Jo and Charles Otto; Ethan Graef, Chloe Graef, Avery, Parker and Jude Ryan; 4 brothers; Albert, Milton, Lyle and Morris Jorgenson and cherished Hiebert family members Janet (Hiebert) Johnston, Larae (Hiebert) Kaushagen of Thief River Falls, MN, Candace (Hiebert) Thompson of Sisseton, SD.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Catherine; 5 brothers, Kenneth, Gaylord, Ralph, Wesley, and Einar; and daughter/son-in-law Kathy and Don Graef; Keith Hiebert and Lynn Hiebert.
Military honors will be provided by the Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and United States Air Force Honor Guard.
