Hans Jorgen Jorgensen

Hans Jorgen Jorgensen, age 99, passed away peacefully at home on February 10, 2025. Born on October 1, 1925, in Trondheim, Norway, to Johan Mikal Jorgensen and Nancy Nilsen Jorgensen, Hans lived a long and meaningful life filled with love, service, and kindness.
A devoted husband, Hans was married to Elspeth "Elsie" Birnie Jorgensen for nearly 50 years, until her passing in 2010. Now he rejoins her in eternal rest. He was a caring and steadfast father to Elsa Jorgensen, Mary Sorise (Jeff), and Elizabeth Correa (Rob), a proud grandfather to Eliza Sorise (John Johnson), and a loving great-grandfather to Nola Johnson.
Hans was the brother of the late Norunn Jorgensen Hollar, the late Sverre Jorgensen, the late Astrid Jorgensen Shortt, and the late Thor Jorgensen. He played a pivotal role in the lives of his eight nephews- the late Ron Jorgensen, Randall Jorgensen, Galen Jorgensen, Daryl Jorgensen, the late Gary Shortt, Carl Shortt, Ralph Shortt, and the late Eric Shortt-offering guidance, laughter, and unconditional support. His family extended far and wide, including many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended relatives, and cherished friends.
Soon after his high school graduation, Hans was drafted into World War II, proudly serving in the Army Air Corps from 1944 to 1945 before the Air Force was established. His career took him from drafting at Continental Aviation to designing and building strain gauges at William T. Bean before finding his home at Ford Motor Company, where he worked as an engineer in the stress analysis lab for 35 years.
Hans believed in community and giving back. A Boy Scout leader in his younger years, he remained active in scouting to be involved in his nephews' lives. He was an avid model airplane enthusiast and a longtime member of the Cloud Busters, where he built and flew planes with friends. With his daughter Elsa, he joined the Norwegian Club to reconnect with his native language and heritage.
Faith was the foundation of Hans's life. Raised a devout Christian, he immersed his family in the church, where he was deeply involved. His love of music, particularly hymns, gospel, and jazz, filled his home and his church, where he sang in the choir with joy.
Hans had a heart for animals and always had pets by his side. He was the kind of man who put others first-taking in family members in need, helping the elderly in his community, and offering a hand to anyone who needed one. His kindness, humor, and selflessness left an imprint on all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held on March 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, with visitation and fellowship after at 11:00 a.m. Please join us in celebrating a life so well lived. A military funeral service will be scheduled at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI, at a later date.
Memorial contributions in Hans's honor may be made to Michigan Humane.