Keith Gene Jorgensen

1940 - 2024

Keith Gene Jorgensen

February 19, 1940-February 21, 2024

Keith Gene Jorgensen, 84, of Osage, Iowa, passed away on February 21, 2024, at his home.

A visitation and funeral service for Keith G. Jorgensen will both be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30. Following visitation, the funeral service will begin at 10:30 with Pastor Cindy Krause officiating. Champion Funeral Home in Osage is in charge of arrangements. Immediately after the funeral service, burial will take place at the Osage Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside service at the church.

Keith was born on February 19, 1940, in Creighton, Nebraska, the son of Ervin and Helen (Olsen) Jorgensen. In 1942, the family moved to a farm near Riceville, Iowa. Keith and his brothers attended the Jamestown No. 1 School until 1948, when his parents bought a farm three miles northwest of Osage, Iowa. Keith and his brothers then attended Washington Elementary and Osage Junior and Senior High Schools.

Keith worked doing farm and carpentry jobs in the summers during his youth. From January of 1959 until January of 1971, Keith worked on the shipping docks at Oliver Corp. (White Farm Tractor Co) in Charles City, Iowa. His job was loading out new tractors on trucks and by rail. During this time he also was in the Iowa National Guard from 1962 to 1968, serving as a platoon squad leader. From 1971 until his retirement in 2003, Keith farmed with his twin brother, Kenneth, on their farm east of Osage.

During his earlier retirement, both Keith and his twin brother Kenneth enjoyed traveling to visit family, biking on a trail in southern Minnesota, collecting toy tractors, and attending many car shows. In his later retirement years, Keith enjoyed many good conversations with his daily coffee groups, visiting with others while eating at local restaurants and celebrating his birthdays with friends. He looked forward to family members' visits and staying in touch with his cousins. He liked attending sporting events, bingo day, and attending many of the events happening locally. Every couple of years he would plan to visit his local Ford dealer to discuss the specifications of his next new Ford pick-up. Even though he was retired, Keith still kept a very active interest in farming and the outcome of each crop year.

Keith had a very strong Christian faith. He was confirmed in 1955 and became a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Osage. Keith began ushering as a high school junior and never stopped, ushering for almost 70 years. He was a dedicated member of his church and diligent in his Christian beliefs. In his own way, Keith chose to quietly live his life with integrity, sincerity, and kindness. He may not have shown his feelings outwardly so much, but anyone that knew Keith, knew his deep sense of caring and concern for his family, friends and neighbors.

Living family members include older brother Milton Jorgensen (Jean) of Winchester, Kansas. Nieces and Nephews: Lane Jorgensen (Debra), DeLynne Walter, Traci DeYoung (James), Brian Jorgensen (Robin), and Brett Jorgensen (Julie), and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jerome, Lloyd, and twin brother Kenneth Jorgensen; and one sister-in-law, Georgia Jorgensen(Lloyd).

Champion Funeral Home, 641-732-3706.

www.schroederfuneralhomes.com