Gary Jorgenson

Gary Duane Jorgenson, 86, passed away on September 8th, 2025 at Hilltop Estates Nursing Home in Gothenburg, NE.

Gary was born on March 15th, 1939 in Gothenburg, NE to Marvin and Bernice (Peterson) Jorgenson. He grew up on the Jorgenson Homestead near New Hope, and attended New Hope School. Later, he attended High School in Gothenburg, NE, graduating with the class of 1957. Not long after, he met Janice Welch, the love of his life, at a 4H social for young adults in Kearney, NE. The two married on March 5th, 1961, and moved onto the family farm. To this union five children were born: Robert, Barbara, Brad, Brent and Bryce, all raised in the same community in which Gary was raised. Gary and Janice attended New Hope Church, and later Gothenburg Evangelical Free/Cornerstone Bible Church.

Gary farmed in the New Hope and Rock Island community in Custer County from 1957 until he retired in 2015 In 1985, Gary started working at Tenneco-Monroe Auto in Cozad where he worked in a few areas: Swedger room, Dirt Shield Cutoff, and later as a tool maker in Tool and Die after attending Mid-Plains Community College at age 50 to learn the craft. He retired from Tenneco-Monroe Auto in 2007. Gary and Janice lived on and cared for the home and farm they moved into after they married until they moved into town in 2019.

Gary was known for his ability to chat and connect with anyone. He would frequently meet neighbors on the road to catch up (the country version of a coffee shop meeting) and always stayed after church to chat. He made every-day tasks an opportunity to connect with his community, whether that be picking up parts in town or stopping for a donut and a cup of coffee. Afternoon coffee became a big part of his life after he moved into town. He always looked forward to going to farm sales and Husker Harvest Days with his children and grandchildren because it was an opportunity to catch up with his family and friends. In later years when he was getting meals on wheels, he loved to chat up the delivery volunteers, and sometimes show them his collectible toy tractors.

Gary led and loved his family quietly. He never worked on Sundays (except feeding cattle) and always attended church with his family. He found his joy in time spent with loved ones, whether that be watching his children and grandchildren's activities, hosting family gatherings, or later all squeezing into the farmhouse living room to watch game shows. Many family holidays were spent with grandchildren crowding around the Christmas Tree or in the yard hunting for easter eggs. Together, Gary and Janice created a house of love through three generations of kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Janice (Welch)Jorgenson, his daughter, Barbara (Jorgenson) Nelson, his brother, Richard (Molly) Jorgenson, and his parents, Marvin and Bernice (Peterson) Jorgenson.

Gary is survived by his children, Robert (Jill Gonzales), of Gothenburg, NE; Bradly (Elizabeth Zarek), of Gothenburg, NE; Brent (Carie Wilson) of Woodbury, MN; Bryce (Rebecca Abbott) of Orleans, NE, 17 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and his brothers, Charles (Cindy) Jorgenson of Callaway, NE, Neil (Suzie) Jorgenson of Callaway, NE.

Visitation will be held, Friday, September 12, 2025, 3:00-7:00 pm, Cornerstone Bible Church, 1721 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE with the family present from 3:00-5:00 pm.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Gothenburg Cemetery.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Cornerstone Bible Church, 1721 Lake Avenue Gothenburg, NE with Pastor Scott Newman officiating. Lunch will follow.

Memorials may be directed to Cornerstone Bible Church.