Donald Jorgensen

Donald Jorgensen, 91, of Anita, Iowa, died Sunday, January 27, 2019, at Caring Acres in Anita.

Donald Edwin was born on January 26, 1928, in Audubon County, Iowa, the son of Fritz Edward and Esther L. (Iversen) Jorgensen. He learned early on the value of hard work and developed that principle even more at the age of 14 when he moved to the Dakota’s to help his uncle operate a custom threshing crew.

On April 9, 1950, he was united in marriage to Joanne Rattenborg at the Noble Center Church, south of Lyman. The location of their wedding had to be changed due to a fire at Zion Lutheran Church. Following their marriage, the couple lived a short time south of Lyman and then north of Adair where Don worked as a hired man. In 1953, they made Berea home; starting their own farming operation. Even after retirement in 1989, he didn’t slow down much and continued helping others on the farm. The couple moved to Caring Acres in 2015. Don lived a very simple life based on the three things that were dear to his heart, quietly serving the Lord, caring for his family, and hard work; always content with what he had. His family will always be grateful for the hard work ethic they were taught in addition to countless practical life lessons. It was rare that Don was too busy to take time for people, whether it was just in conversation or a teaching opportunity; including his ability to talk and make a friend with a complete stranger.

He and Jo enjoyed many camping trips; one of their favorites was to Ike Brown’s cabin in Minnesota. The couple looked forward to gathering with friends around the table for a game of cards; Pinochle and Pitch being the favorites. Don looked forward to spending time with family; 4th of July being his favorite filled with numerous fireworks shows and incidents through the years. Don had an ornery side that started at a young age with his pranks on neighbors on the way to school and his “joke of the day;” which he only told at school for a short time because one day his teachers didn’t find it nearly as funny as he and his classmates did. His other shenanigans included playing pranks on family members if he happened to stop by and they weren’t home, teaching a comical lesson if someone didn’t wake up right away after being asked, knowing what was in his Christmas presents because he kept inching the paper off while appearing to watch others open theirs and the family was never quite sure how he always ended up with a free cinnamon roll every time they ate at the Machine Shed.

Donald is survived by his children, Steve (Bev) Jorgensen of Atlantic, IA, Becky (Don) Williams of Adel, IA, Dan (Christi Raasch) Jorgensen of Centerville, IA, and Paul (Jeannette) Jorgensen of Adair, IA; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, William (Christine) Rattenborg of Fort Collins, CO; and sisters-in-law, Mary (Duane) Burk of Leander, TX and Gloria Rattenborg of Manchester, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Jorgensen and Esther Hansen; wife, Joanne; brother, Kenneth (Mary) Jorgensen; and sister, Mardelle Griffin.

Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 1st at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Open visitation will be available from 8:00 a.m. Friday until the time of visitation with the family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 2nd at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Anita, with the Reverend Ted Weishaupt officiating. Interment will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

The family requests memorials to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Anita.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Don’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE
Donald Jorgensen
BORN
January 26, 1928 - Audubon County, Iowa

DIED
January 27, 2019 - Anita, Iowa
At the age of 91 Years & 1 Day

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 2, 2019
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Anita, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Reverend Ted Weishaupt

ORGANIST
Cindy Aldrich

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“On The Wings Of A Snow White Dove” recorded by Ferlin Husky
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee” by the Congregation
“What A Friend We Have in Jesus” by the Congregation
“I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” recorded by Alan Jackson

CASKET BEARERS
Shawn Jorgensen
Matt Williams
Aaron Williams
Erik Jorgensen
Jeremiah Jorgensen
Nikolas Jorgensen
Kyle Jorgensen
Zachary Jorgensen

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Michelle Andersen
Brandee Blackey
Jill Caudle
Hannah Jorgensen

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery - Atlantic, Iowa

The family invites you to join them for lunch at the
Anita American Legion Building, following services at the cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Cross Lutheran Church.