Jerry Dean Jorgenson

Jerry Dean Jorgenson, 64, of Polson, passed away on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 at home surrounded by loved ones, after a heroic battle with lung and brain cancer.

He was born on August 17, 1949 in Hettinger, ND, to E. Margaret and James R. Jorgenson. He was younger than his twin brother Gene by 15 minutes. The first year of his life was spent in the family sod house located near the South Grand River near Lodge Pole, SD. The family then moved to Arlee, where Jerry grew up and went to elementary school from 1st grade through 4th grade. The family then moved to Polson, where he finished elementary school and high school. While in high school, he was active in band and choir. Jerry also was very active in sports, earning letters in football, basketball, and track. During his junior year of high school he was the class president. He was also active in DeMolay, advancing through all of the chairs. Jerry graduated from Polson High School in 1967.

After high school, Jerry attended and graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Industrial Technology in 1971. While in college, he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, a member of the college band, and the ROTC Chorale. During the summer of his junior year, Jerry started the initial program for Navy Aviators at Pensacola, FL. Jerry also got his Master's degree in Applied Aviation.

Jerry served his country in the Navy for 22 years and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. During his years in the Navy, he served during the Vietnam War, was a naval aviator and instructor, and made numerous landings of Grumman C-1A twin-engine prop aircrafts on aircraft carriers in the Atlantic Ocean.

Following his time in the Navy, Jerry was an aircraft dispatcher for Sky-Star International and MGM Grand Air, which was a premium airline between LA and New York.

On Sept. 27, 1992, Jerry married June Henning. The couple lived in Missoula until 2000, until Jerry's employer transferred him to Polson. During the 22 years the couple were together, Jerry became a best friend and father to June's two children.

In July of this year, Jerry's highlight was a visit from his expecting daughter-in-law and his five grandchildren. His 6th grandchild, Emma Ryan Robocker, was born on Sept. 16th. Jerry was overjoyed to see pictures of "our baby girl," two weeks before his death.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, son, and grandson.

Survivors include his wife June, Polson; daughter Jana (Dick) Carlson, Shelton, WA; daughter-in-law Theresa (Jeff-deceased) Robocker and 6 grandchildren, Bridgewater, SD; one great-grandson; sister Rita (Bill) Pilgrim, Polaris; twin brother Gene (Marj) Jorgenson, Stanfield, OR; several nieces and nephews; and mother-in-law Mable Henning, Calimesa, CA.


The memorial service to celebrate Jerry's life will be on Saturday, October 5th at 2:00 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson. Pastor Jacobson will preside over the service. The service will be followed by a full military honors ceremony at Lake View Cemetery.

Jerry always had a smile on his face and a way about him that you couldn't help but love. He will be greatly missed by many dear friends and loved ones. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Read Jerry Jorgenson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.