Lance Jorgensen

Lance Tyrel Jorgensen, 27, of North Pole, is presumed to have drowned Thursday, June 16 while dip net fishing in Chitina.

Lance was born July 12, 1983, in Fairbanks to Randy and Janice Jorgensen. He grew up in North Pole and graduated from North Pole High school in 2001 where he played hockey for 4 years.

Shortly after graduation Lance began working towards a career in construction. He began working for Watterson Construction as a laborer. Lance had a strong work ethic and took great pride in a job well done. Not long thereafter his work ethic and developing skillsets were rewarded with a promotion to the position of carpenter and then carpenter foreman.

In 2005 Lance met Heather Bodewitz and they were married in May of 2009. Lance and Heather were kindred spirits and embraced life together with great enthusiasm.

In December of 2009 they were blessed with the arrival of a beautiful daughter, Melaina Marie. Melaina brought an abundance of joy and happiness to Lance and Heather and they epitomized the axiom of proud parents.

It was at this point that Lance decided to follow his life-long dream and founded Jorgensen Construction. The new company's vision was to bring together honest dealings with earnest hard work towards the goal of delivering quality results.

More than anything Lance had a zest for life. He loved the outdoors and had a keen appreciation for the beauty and abundance of nature. Lance loved his family and was a genuine friend to those he cared about. He was quick with a wry joke and just as quick to help a friend in need. He had his own unique outlook on life and lived in accordance with his own lofty beliefs and values.

Lance is survived by his wife, Heather and daughter, Melaina; parents, Randy and Janice, brother, Shane Jorgensen.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24th at Island View Pavilion at Chena Lakes Park in Fairbanks.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation for his daughter, Melaina Jorgensen at Alaska USA Federal Credit Union.