Curtis Jorgenson

LEEDS - Curtis Jorgenson, 82, Leeds, passed away on Dec. 19, 2016, at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Leeds Lutheran Church with the Rev. Michael Pretzer officiating. Burial will take place at Leeds Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, with a 7 p.m. prayer service, at Leeds Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service.

Music will be provided by Dan and MiChelle Nybo. Casket bearers will be all of Curtis' grandchildren, Andy Bjorg, Mike Bjorg, Becky Bjorg, Kyle Jorgenson, Meghan Jorgenson, Annie Jorgenson, Erin Jorgenson, Jameson Bickert, Sarah Bickert and Becca Beckler.

Curtis Gordon Jorgenson was born April 16, 1934, to Carl and Gladys (Nestegard) Jorgenson in rural Leeds. He attended and graduated from Leeds High School, then attended Mayville State College and played football. The discoveries of oil in western North Dakota lead him to pursue a job in the oil fields.

On Jan. 17, 1954, Curtis married Mona Probst. The oil industry took them to Wyoming and Colorado, but his heart was never too far from the farm. The couple moved back home to farm in the Leeds area in 1958 and Curtis worked for Paulson Construction in the winter months for a number of years. They have three children: Carla, Teresa and Steve. Steve has followed in his dad's footsteps to take over the family farm.

Curtis' philosophy was "you can never take the farmer off the farm" and he was able to live there for all of his 58 years of farming.

Curtis was active in the community and shared his dry sense of humor with many. He participated in the Leeds Lutheran Church, where he served on the council along with many other duties, participated in Bible studies, youth leadership and was always a reliable usher. He also was active on the local elevator board for years and the State Water Board.

Curtis is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mona; his children, Carla (Richard) Bickert, Washburn, Teresa (John) Bjorg, Grand Forks, and Steve (Geralyn) Jorgenson, Leeds; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and his siblings, JoAnn (Donald) McIntyre, James (Jean) Jorgenson, Ronald (Vivian) Jorgenson and Jerry (Stephanie) Jorgenson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Gladys (Nestegard) Jorgenson.

Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com. (Nelson Funeral Home, Leeds)