DOROTHY JORGENSON, obituary

Dorothy Jorgenson, 89, died of natural causes, Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at the Northern Montana Hospital.

Her funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2009, at the Gildford Baptist Church with Pastor Eddie Fallo officiating. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the church immediately after the service followed by the burial at the Calvary section of Highland Cemetery in Havre at 2 p.m. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Dorothy was born Feb. 9, 1920, in Ortonville, Minn., to Grant and Margaret (Pederson) Nelson. She attended school in Ortonville and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1937. While in high school, she won a home economics decorating contest which gave her a trip to the Minnesota State Fair in Minneapolis. After graduation, she worked as a secretary in Marshall, Minn. And Ortonville, Minn. On Feb. 5, 1949, she married Gordon Jorgenson in Ortonville, Minn. The couple made their home in Gildford, Mont., on the family farm and raised their four children. Dorothy was active in Jolly Janes and the Gildford Baptist Church, where she was Sunday School secretary and active in Mission Circle. She was also a member of the Gildford Birthday Club and the Local Vocal Bifocals singing group. Other activities included bowling league, sewing, making latch-hook rugs and the cross-stitched tablecloths that she lovingly made for her friends and family. She loved visiting family and friends and morning coffee with her good friend and next door neighbor, Shorty. She also enjoyed playing cards and games. Among her family, she was famous for "Grandma's Buns," cream wafers, black bottom cupcakes and lefse. Dorothy also worked as the Gildford School secretary for several years and later as a postal clerk. After she and Gordon retired,, they enjoyed traveling, including two trips to Norway and Hawaii, and many visits with friends and family. A notable accomplishment by both of them was the completion of the 7.5-mile Bloomsday Run in Spokane two years in a row. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gordon in 1997; brother, Glen Nelson; and sister, Eleanore Fremont. Dorothy is survived by her children, Elaine and (Dick) Wise of Kalispell, Mont., Nancy and (Steve) Nelson of Polson, Mont., Robin and (Terry) Saylor of Spokane, Wash., and Dan and (Kay) Jorgenson of Gildford, Mont. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be given to Gildford Baptist Church, First Responders/Ambulance or donor's choice.