Jorgensen, Vivian D. (1926-2009)
JORGENSEN, GUSTAFSON, MALM, STEUERT, HOTT, ANDERSON, CASS, KERN, WEGLEY
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 12/27/2009 at 15:37:31
Vivian D. Jorgensen - Apr. 13, 1926 - Feb. 01, 2009
Vivian D. Jorgensen, age 82, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Sunday, February 1, 2009, at Methodist Manor Retirement Center in Storm Lake.
Vivian Gustafson was born on April 13, 1926 to Conrad Gustafson and Bessie (Malm) Gustafson in Alta, Iowa. Her mother, Bessie, had come to this country at age 11 with her 17-year-old sister to begin a new life in the United States. Baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta, Vivian was a member of a family of 10 children. She grew up on a farm south of Sulphur Springs, Iowa and graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1944. The farmhouse where she grew up was completely destroyed by fire just days before her high school graduation. Her family lost everything in the fire. Vivian often referred to this experience when teaching her children the importance of helping others.
On July 9, 1946 Vivian was united in marriage to Earl Jorgensen at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, Iowa. Earl had served his country during World War II in Europe and had returned to his home in Newell in December of 1945. Her marriage was blessed with four children: Kathy, Jim, Rita, and Linda. She was a devoted and loving mother to her children.
After her high school graduation, Vivian worked as an operator at the telephone office in Storm Lake. In 1963 Vivian began working for the Storm Lake Public Schools as an elementary secretary. She worked for the school system until her retirement in 1988. Her role at school allowed her to touch the lives of many young children and her warm and loving nature made her perfect for the job. She was a natural “child psychologist” who always “stuck up for the underdog.” She enjoyed watching the youngsters grow and mature through their high school days, and she especially enjoyed going to Storm Lake Tornado games. She knew so many of the players from their grade school days, and she loved watching them play high school sports.
Vivian was an active member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Vivian’s faith was very important to her and she shared that faith with her children. She taught Sunday School and was active on various church committees. Vivian also enjoyed her golf. She was a long-time member of Lake Creek Country Club and was the women’s club champion in 1980. Vivian spent many days on the golf course with her family and friends. For many years, she and Earl played in area husband and wife golf events.
In their retirement Vivian and Earl were able to visit their daughter, Rita and family, in Germany and also visited family in Sweden and Denmark during their three trips to Europe. They were also able to see the places where Earl had served during World War II. Vivian’s patriotism was always paramount. The American flag and what it stands for were of utmost importance to her.
Holidays and family gatherings gave her great pleasure. Everything had to be “just right” when everyone got together. She loved taking her grandchildren fishing when they were young. Nothing was better for Vivian than sitting in the shade fishing with a cane pole. She enjoyed telling stories of how her father took her fishing when she was young. It was her nature to enjoy the simple things in life and to live by the Golden Rule. She was always ready to lend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors in their time of need.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Bessie; her sisters: Helen Gustafson, Opal Steuert and Ardis Hott; and her brothers: Edvin, Ernie, Harold, Arthur, Leonard and Roland Gustafson; and her grandson, Trevor Anderson.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 62 years, Earl Jorgensen; her daughter, Kathy and her husband, David Cass of Prescott Valley, Arizona; her son, Jim and his wife, Barbara, of Storm Lake; her daughter, Rita and her husband Doug Kern, of Prior Lake, Minnesota; and her daughter, Linda and her husband, Scott Anderson, of Storm Lake; grandchildren: Todd (Nicole) Cass, Jason (Barb) Cass, Emily (David) Wegley, and Amanda (Harley) Davenport, all residents of Arizona; Jeff Jorgensen of Edwards, Colorado; Chris (Stephanie) Jorgensen of West Des Moines, Iowa; Jessica Jorgensen of Vail, Colorado; Travis Kern and Erika Kern of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Chelsea Anderson and Luke Anderson of Storm Lake; great-grandchildren: Olivia, Sophia, and Isabella (Todd); Peyton and Grace (Jason); and Ian (Emily); extended family and many friends.
Services for Mrs. Jorgensen will be held on Thursday, February 5th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the services.
Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4th, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the family will be present for the entire visitation.
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