Irene Jorgensen Whelchel

1924 - 2025

Irene Jorgensen Whelchel

February 1, 1924 - February 11, 2025

Fresno, California - Irene was born in Fresno, California, to Niels and Anna Jorgensen, their third child. She had two older brothers, Jim and Tom, and was the darling of the family. Irene attended local schools and following high school, she spent two years studying acting at Pasadena Playhouse. In 1944 she went to New York and worked on Broadway. WWII was still endangering the world, Franklin D. Roosevelt was President, and Hitler's reign was coming to an end. The war officially ended in Europe in May 1945 but fighting continued for some months. Jim Jorgensen, Irene's oldest brother, was killed in action during the final days and Irene went home to her family.

In 1948, Irene married William C. Whelchel and they settled in Fresno, CA. Her brother Tom and his wife, Ruth, also lived in Fresno and had their first child in 1948. Irene's parents were active in The Danish Brotherhood organization, and the large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins spent many happy times together. The Jorgensens had a cabin at Bretz Mill, near Shaver Lake, and three generations of the family stayed there every summer.

Irene was one of the best duplicate bridge players around and became a Life Master. She also loved to sing and play the piano, and she enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She belonged to the Fig Garden Women's Club, volunteered with Children's Home Society and Welfare League, and also worked for a while as a very successful realtor. She cooked Thanksgiving dinner every year for the family and she was a very good cook.

Although Irene and Bill did not have children of their own, Irene was the favorite aunt of Tom's children, Sidne, Danby and Robert. Her sense of fun and love of family was strong and she shared it generously. Irene will be remembered with so much love and appreciation for all she added to the lives of those around her.

At her specific request, no memorial services will be held. Donations in Irene's honor may be made to St. Agnes Hospice in Fresno, CA. This remarkably kind group of people helped make her final days bearable.