Betty Jorgensen

May 25, 1933 - January 18, 2025

Betty D. Jorgensen, 91, of Kearney, died January 18, 2025, at Omaha Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Per Betty's wishes, there will not be a traditional public funeral service. The family will hold a private service at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Group, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Auxiliary Group, 2211 Avenue A, Kearney, NE 68847, which she was an active member of for many years. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements.

Betty was born on May 25, 1933, on the Vavra family farm near Amherst, Neb., to George L. and Mary (Monroe) Vavra. She graduated from Amherst High School in 1951. Betty married Dwaine Jorgensen in 1954 and they shared two children, Paul and Samuel. Betty lived in Kearney for the majority of her life and worked in the lunch program for Kearney Public Schools for many years. She also lived at Johnson's Lake for several years where she met many cherished friends.

Betty had a great appreciation for growing up on her family farm. She often talked about childhood memories on the farm, and of her mother playing piano and all her siblings gathered around listening. She was proud of her Bohemian heritage, and if you heard her speak Czech you were probably in trouble! Betty loved the simple things in life such as horses, birdsongs, making waffles for her grandkids and singing special syrup songs, spending time with family, peonies, auctions, Brooks and Dunn, Tom Selleck, Judge Judy, Walmart, and catching up with lifelong friends. Many of you probably remember having long conversations with her at Walmart, of which she thoroughly enjoyed. Betty was a strong and resilient woman, and her family often joked that she might outlive them all. She was fortunate and proud to live independently until the age of 91.

Betty is survived by her son, Sam (Diane) Jorgensen of Omaha, Neb.; brother, Mick (Deb) Vavra of Kearney; grandson, Joshua (Amie) Jorgensen of Kearney; granddaughter, Maribeth (Jennifer) Jorgensen of Huntsville, Texas; grandson, William Jorgensen of Kearney; granddaughter, Mandy (Justin) Queen of Ashland, Neb.; granddaughter, Abby (Jake) Glair of Omaha, Neb.; twelve great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dwaine Jorgensen; son, Paul Jorgensen, and five siblings.

Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl

Kearney, Nebraska

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Published by Kearney Hub on Jan. 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Jorgensen

Sponsored by Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services.

5 Entries

Greg Olson

January 27, 2025

I knew Betty my entire life. She was another "mom" to me. Last time I saw her was the best hug I´ve ever received. When my kids where in school at lunch time she would sneak them a candy bar, always letting them know how special they were to her. Betty was a tough, sweet, and kind lady. The world is a lot more empty without her. Love you Betty!!

Dave Nelson

January 26, 2025

My condolences to the family. I am a friend of micks

Jerrylynn Fisher

January 24, 2025

So sorry to here of Betty's passing always loved talking to her at walmart

Verlene Jacoby, Mesa AZ

January 24, 2025

So sorry for your loss. We spent many happy times with Betty, generally related to the fire dept. We worked and played on many dept functions for years. She was always pleasant, friendly and loved having a good time. Sending sympathy, prayers and hugs to each of you!

Rob & Jera Hinkle

January 23, 2025

Our deepest sympathies to Betty's family. She was near and dear to the community and fondly called "Grandma Betty" by many. Our family became acquainted with Betty when Rob worked at Liberty Cleaners with her. Many she rest in Peace and the sweet memory of her soul be remembered.

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