T. Wayne Jorgensen

Theodore Wayne Jorgensen, known as Wayne, passed away peacefully at his home in Smithfield, Utah, on September 21, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on January 12, 1941, to Vivian Theodore and Mamie Mae Hunsaker Jorgensen at their family home in Amalga, Utah, Wayne grew up on the family farm alongside his beloved older sister, Janice. His childhood was shaped by hard work on the farm, where he later took over operations after purchasing it from his father. 

Wayne attended Summit Elementary and graduated from North Cache High School in 1959. From 1960 to 1962, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern California Mission. Upon returning, Wayne pursued higher education at Utah State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. He went on to dedicate 30 years of service as a teacher, with positions at Lewiston Elementary, Summit Elementary, and as the Homebound Teacher for the Cache County School District. 

In 1966, Wayne met Donna Kaiser on a blind date, and their love story unfolded beautifully. They were married on June 3, 1966, in the Logan Temple and were blessed with six children: Lisa, Shelley, Scott, Ryan, Neal, and Jill. Wayne and Donna built a home, raising their family first in Amalga and later in River Heights. 

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Wayne especially loved baseball and was a dedicated Yankees fan. He pitched softball for Amalga for many years, often hitting a home run or two during games. In 1989, he and Donna purchased LaSpiga Bakery on Church Street in Logan, where Wayne’s unique touch included selling both croissants and golf balls—collected during his long walks around First Dam and the Logan Golf Course. He delivered newspapers for much of his adult life, covering routes for the Herald Journal, Tribune, and Deseret News throughout Cache Valley.

Wayne fulfilled many church callings throughout his life. He loved to prepare and to teach. He also loved serving three years as an officiator at the Logan Temple. 

In 1996, Wayne and Donna moved to Richmond, living there until 2014. Their journey together then took them to St. George, Clearfield, Logan, and ultimately Smithfield. 

Wayne was known for his ever-present smile, warm chuckle, and a boundless curiosity that often led him to ask endless questions. He adored his wife, Donna, who lovingly cared for him as his health began to decline. Even as he struggled with memory loss, Wayne’s cheerful personality never waned. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Janice Andrus (Dale); his daughter, Shelley; and his sons, Scott and Neal. Wayne is survived by his devoted wife, Donna; his daughter, Lisa (Kurt) Anhder; his son, Ryan (Tina) Jorgensen; and his daughter, Jill (Alex) Orio. He also leaves behind 14 cherished grandchildren: Samuel, McKay, and Elijah Anhder; Josh and Hobie Jorgensen; Cody & McKenzie Jorgensen and Kylee Anderson; Quentin & Kayla Jorgensen; and Hunter, Dax, & Tad Drysdale and Thea Orio.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 25th at 2:00 p.m. at Logan Cemetery, where family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Wayne’s remarkable life.