Jerry Jorgensen

Jerry Grant Jorgensen completed his mortal education and graduated with honors on September 9, 2022. He did not want to leave his earthly family. However, he suffered ongoing and lingering symptoms of Covid, aggravated by illnesses and old age. After a hard fall, it was his time to return to "that home from whence he came ". He passed peacefully. His wife was at his side and family members were near to offer loving support.

Jerry was born November 16, 1933. The country was in deep depression. His young parents had very little to offer the babe, except hearts full of love. They welcomed the newborn boy to their isolated two-room farm home with pride and joy. Though quiet and shy, he grew to be a happy child, secure in his parents' affectionate care.

Salina Elementary was his first school. Jerry's father, Grant, built a beautiful brick home in Salina, Utah, when Jerry was seven years old. Nelda, his mother, was a dedicated wife, and homemaker. He thrived through the years. Two brothers, Bruce and Jim, were born to the family, and the three sons matured in an environment of kindness and harmony.

North Sevier High School welcomed Jerry and he enjoyed friends and studies. He was respected by peers and teachers. At graduation in 1951, he stood at the head of his class and graduated with honors.
Jerry and his high school sweetheart, Gay Lynn Herbert, were married in Salina, Utah, on March 19, 1955. The following September, they were sealed in the Manti Temple. This year they celebrated 67 years as a married couple.

In June of 1955, student life ended, and he graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's Degree in Science and a Major in Pharmacy. He liked being a pharmacist and enjoyed his career. He worked in several different venues throughout his life, including hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and relief pharmacy.

A short time ago Jerry expressed his love for pharmacy and the people he worked with over the years. He formally retired from Preston Drug Co. six months after his eightieth birthday.

Jerry, Gay and the family owned and operated Lewiston Drug Store from 1962 until 1988. In 1970, Jerry purchased the building at 55 South Main Street in Lewiston Utah. The family lived in the spacious upstairs apartment and remained close and cohesive as all worked together in the home and business.
Jerry and Gay Lynn were parents of four children, Jerry Jr.(deceased), Mark, Chris, and Tamra. They loved their children, thought they were perfect, and cherished them each and every day of their lives. His wife states that she never heard a cross word pass between him and any of his children, except when he was teaching them to drive and the discouraging word may have not have been criticism, but simply a cry of raw fear.

Jerry also enjoyed other children who shared their home at times. He quietly loved Jana, Ernie, and Sonya. He welcomed them to the home for varying lengths of time as pleased them.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ was important in the life of Jerry Jorgensen. He worked actively in the Church giving his efforts and dedication through his adult years. He enjoyed being a Boy Scout leader, also working as an adviser to single parent families and adults (YSI). He claimed his favorite calling was teaching the adult Sunday School Class.

Jerry served unselfishly as Bishop of Lewiston Fourth Ward for five years during the late eighties. His testimony remained strong until the end of his life. He lived the golden rule and never judged others or promoted negative talk or action that could cause distress.

He appreciated all kinds of music, especially the hymns. Jerry sang with Ward choirs, small groups, Stake choruses, and always found pleasure in raising his voice in song. His favorite hymn was, "Sweet Is The Work". He felt the lyrics truly expressed the joy of serving the Lord. Inability to enjoy music was a sorrow he experienced when he lost hearing ability to process sound. Surely he is singing with the angels now.
In early years Jerry and Gay enjoyed the simple pleasures of camping with the children and took up scuba diving. The mountains and lakes near Lewiston were familiar and known to the family as delightful outdoor opportunities for fun.

Jerry's eyes were tuned to appreciate all living things. He delighted in nature and the out of doors, he appreciated beauty, and he found joy in every good thing.

The family is consoled by their LDS faith, which teaches that after death their father joined other family members who passed before, including son Jerry Jr.; parents, Grant and Nelda Jorgensen; brother, James D. Jorgensen; granddaughter, Jamie Lynn Jorgensen; and several cousins and friends who were dear to him.

He is survived by his wife, Gay Lynn H. Jorgensen; children Mark, Chris (Gini), Tamra McArthur (Ricky); Bruce W. (Donna) Jorgensen, brother; Ramona G. Jorgensen, sister-in-law; extended family children Jana (Cal) Rist, Ernie (Sharon) Herbert, and Sonya Weiss.

Grandchildren he adored: Jamie Jorgensen, deceased; Christa (Brian) McDearmon; John David Jorgensen; Jeremy Jorgensen; Jessica (Richard) Walker; Shawntelle (Kenneth) Kenworthy; Rachel (Taten) Albright; and Nicole (Matthew) Quigley. One of his grown grandchildren recently said, "He was the most perfect man I ever knew".

Eleven Great grandchildren are growing and thriving. Many of them visited Grandpa Jerry and Grandma over the July Fourth Holiday. The health and intelligence of the little ones was a joy to their great grandparents.

He loved us all. The life of Jerry G. Jorgensen, Sr., will bless the lives of his posterity through the generations of time, and throughout eternity. His family is grateful for his example, his love, and his life.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Lewiston Third Ward Meeting House at 16 South Main Street, Lewiston, Utah. Viewing 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Funeral service 11 a.m. Interment will be in Lewiston City Cemetery.

Compassionate service furnished by Lewiston Third Ward Relief Society
Services under the direction of Allen Hall Mortuary