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Richard Jorgensen Obituary
April 2, 2025
Richard Jorgensen, 86, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 2nd. He was born in Carroll, Nebraska, on December 13, 1938, to Chris and Esther Jorgensen.
Richard was a lifelong student and teacher. He received his Bachelor's degree from Wayne State, Master's from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and his Doctorate in Administration from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Dr. Jorgensen, "Dr. J" to his students, taught elementary education for many years, culminating in becoming a principal at Minne Lusa Elementary in North Omaha for over 25 years. His many students will remember his tooth chests, gum ball machine, magic pennies, and retirement parade. Some will even remember his "naughty bench."
Richard was a master gardener and maintained a garden at the Henry Doorly Zoo for many years as a member of the South Omaha Horticulture Society. Additionally, in later years, he led efforts to support a community food plot at his church. He was also a bird watcher, nature enthusiast, and avid animal lover. His family will miss his pecan pie, cinnamon rolls, and potato salad.
Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Leilani; three daughters, Sherri Berg (Bryan), Shelly Howe (Steve), and Sheila O'Donnell (Dave); six grandchildren, Anna, Aaron, Claire, Carli, Peyton, Torin; and four great-grandchildren, Liam, Nora, and twins Sullivan and Kennedy. Additionally, he is survived by a sister, Alice Rhode, and a brother, Jim Jorgensen.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Cheryl, Darlene, Gene, and Skip. The family respectfully requests any memorials be given to the Mission Food Garden at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Jorgensen
Gary R
June 13, 2025
It has been too long...but I just now saw Doc´s obit. We go back to 1998. He and I became so close maybe due to my love and interest in horticultural. We worked together at Henry Doorley Zoo/garden. Doc taught me so much and I would go to the end of the earth to attempt to repay him. He had so much knowledge in so many different things. He was my biggest support while I attended Nursing School in Kansas City MO. It is so sad to see he is just a memory now...but it is about the best memory of my entire life! Thank You Doc.
Until I see you again
Best
Gary
Bunie Jaeger
April 17, 2025
Richard was a Nephew to my Grandmother Louise Landanger and had many family gatherings Deepest Sympathy to His Family
Connie Rose
April 16, 2025
My condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of activities with Dr. J. Hunting for morel mushrooms, square dances, Minne Lusa school carnivals, and laughing at almost everything. RIP
Jeanie Pennington
April 14, 2025
Dick ALWAYS blessed others whose positive demeanor and a smile on his face. He will certainly be missed. There are few like him.
Richard Hensley
April 14, 2025
Dr. J was a awesome person. Everyone loved very much.
Sydni Dexter (Rawlings)
April 14, 2025
He was so passionate at Minne Lusa. The carnivals, Halloween parades scouts and many more events that made that school so amazing. I can still hear his laughter. Mom worked in the office with him and she was so happy to work with him. He even helped safely relocate a honey bee hive at my grandparents house. Just an amazing man.
Deidre Greer
April 14, 2025
I attended Minne Lusa from 1st to 6th grade and was impressed that Dr. Jorgensen knew every child´s name AND their parents´ names. Being married to a service member and traveling around the world, I thought that it was normal for ALL principals to know everyone´s name at their schools. Sadly I was mistaken and longed for another Dr. Jorgensen in my children´s lives. He cared and he listened. I have so many stories that I would love to share about Dr. Jorgensen, but my fondest was seeing him at Crossroads while I was in town visiting with my first child (newborn). He remembered my name and took my daughter as if he was her grandfather. We sat and chatted he was holding my daughter. I will never forget. RIP!
One of your favorite students- LOL
Deidre Greer Robinson
Prince William County Virginia
Sally Louison
April 14, 2025
I enjoyed knowing Dr Jorgensen. We crossed paths any times since I taught at Miller Park. He always had such a positive attitude.
Doug Rose
April 14, 2025
Mrs. J. Dick was the guiding light for my career in teaching. He was a giant and I will never forget him.
Doug
Kerry Blacketer
April 14, 2025
Thank you Dr. Jorgensen.
Jason
April 14, 2025
First off. I´m praying for the family of Dr. J. May peace and comfort be with you through this hard time.
A couple memories that will forever be burned into my brain... getting birthday "spankings" at Minne Lusa. The "paddle" and " a pinch to grow an inch". Lol. Also, I remember being at Benson high as a junior or senior and Dr. J was serving lunch!!! I said hi and to my amazement he still remembered who I was after 6 years!!! We chatted like he had always been my principal! Amazing guy!! Will be greatly missed. He made a difference in alot of people´s lives!!
Carol Nickerson
April 14, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Carol Nickerson
April 13, 2025
A favorite memory of mine is Dr. J's flair for language. He described me as a "wart on his nose!" when Burke High principal ask for his opinion of my ability to be a high school librarian. Thank you Dr. J, Burke was my last library until I retired. His skills as a leader created a great school for so many teachers, students and parents.
Renate H
April 13, 2025
So sorry for your loss!
Dr.J was a wonderful principal the kids and staff loved him!
May you rest in peace! Prayers to the family.
Jennifer (Kruse) Kahre
April 13, 2025
Mr. Jorgensen was a man to be feared when I was young, and a respected friend as I got old. What a joy to be FB friends with him and recall the old days. After all those years he still remembered his Minne Lusa kids!
Chrissy (Nichols) Frost
April 13, 2025
From a Minne Lusa student-may DrJ rest in peace; may his family be in peace knowing that DrJ made a difference in a community.
Joni R.
April 13, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Leilani and family. Great memories of my teaching days
Under Dr.J at ML from 1985-1990. He will be greatly missed!
Katie
April 13, 2025
Love to his family from Omaha. Many wonderful memories of Dr. J.
Carol Nickerson
April 13, 2025
I was one excited new library teacher when he accepted me to teach at Minne Lisa for 15 years. When I applied to begin teaching Burke High School his recommendation about me included that I was "a wart on his nose" thinking new ideas for the kids to do. " Dr. J" you touched so many lives and created so much joy for everyone! Carol Nickerson
Leigh Hedrick Brunelle
April 13, 2025
Dr. J is the reason for some of our finest memories during our time as students at Minne Lusa. He helped shape my brother and I to be fine, hard working and honest people. Rest in Peace.
The Hedrick Kids
(Daniel and Leigh)
Justin Cole
April 13, 2025
Dr. j was my first principal at Minne Lusa where I watched him retire. He pulled more of my baby teeth than my own dentist. I remember him coming back to visit and showing us his African Safari trip he had taken. This has caused me to someday do the same either before or when I retire. It will be sad not to read his yearly updates anymore, but I will be happy to know he is at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. J.
Emily Norris
April 13, 2025
Thank you for your wonderful leadership. You were a wonderful principle. May you rest in power.
Vicki Nuzum
April 13, 2025
Rest in Peace Dr.J. Thank you for your years of service at Minne Lusa. I will treasure the memories we created at ML and you will forever be missed!
Shelly Donnelly
April 13, 2025
Thank you Dr. J for all your years of service. Minne Lusa will never be the same. RIP.
John McDevitt
April 13, 2025
I went to Minne Lusa for Kindergarten and 1st grade and it is was fond time in my life. I remember Dr. J as a cool guy. RIP Dr. J.
David Petersen
April 13, 2025
Dr J Was My Principal At Minne Lusa . RIP
Linda and Roger Tederman
April 13, 2025
We were so sorry to read this. Dick was such a great guy. We had some great times at SOHS meetings and events.
Linda and Roger Tederman
Mary Buglewicz Duffy
April 13, 2025
Dick was an outstanding educator and wonderful principal. Students loved him and teachers loved him. RIP Dr. J. You have performed admirably. You have earned your place in heaven.
Jane and Bob Patterson
April 13, 2025
Dick worked at ESU #3 managing our catering kitchen--he was a great asset and such a fun person. We kept up with him via Facebook after he moved to Minnesota. He left a great legacy for his family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Jane and Bob Patterson
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