LeRoy A. Jorgensen

LeRoy Alfred Jorgensen, son of Alfred and Leona (Pralle) Jorgensen, was born on December 25, 1940, in Hampton, Iowa. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Latimer through the eighth grade and graduated from Franklin Consolidated High School in 1959. He continued his education at Ellsworth Community College before earning his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in 1963.

On December 30, 1961, LeRoy was united in marriage to Janice Steding in Coulter, Iowa. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, sharing more than 64 years of marriage.

Following graduation, LeRoy began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher in Titonka, IA, where he taught from 1963 to 1966. He then served as the District Scout Executive in Kearney, Nebraska, from 1966 to 1968. In 1968, he joined Fort Dodge Animal Health, where he worked as a manager in the labeling department until his retirement in 2002. After retirement, he worked part time for Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home for 20 years. LeRoy also co-owned Jorgensen Hobby Craft for over 30 years with his wife.

LeRoy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved taking pontoon rides on the river behind their home, tending to his garden, and was an active member of the Iowa Master Gardeners. He was especially proud of the more than 1,200 bulbs of garlic he grew each year. He delighted in sharing his harvest and homemade garlic powder with family, friends, and neighbors. Many afternoons were spent around the table playing canasta with his beloved wife, Janice. During the winter months, he enjoyed putting together puzzles. Above all else, LeRoy treasured time with his family, creating lasting memories with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. No one was a stranger to LeRoy, as he enjoyed a warm conversation with those around him.

In his final months, LeRoy faced a short but courageous battle with stomach cancer. He met this challenge with the same quiet strength, faith, and grace that had guided him throughout his life, surrounded by the love of his family.

A devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, LeRoy faithfully served on numerous church boards and committees throughout the years. His commitment to serving others extended throughout the Humboldt community. He served as Mayor of Humboldt for eight years and as a member of the Humboldt City Council for another eight years. LeRoy was a dedicated member of the Humboldt Ambulance Service for 38 years and was honored with induction into the Iowa EMS Hall of Fame in recognition of his years of service. He also served for many years on the Humboldt Library Foundation Board.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Leona Jorgensen, and his brother, Eugene Jorgensen.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Janice; his children, Tracey Gord (John), Todd Jorgensen, Bill Jorgensen, and Tonja Lohrbach; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Charles Jorgensen (Joyce); sister-in-law, Mardell Jorgensen; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Memorials may be directed to the Humboldt Library Foundation and Zion Lutheran Church.

Whether serving his community, lending a helping hand, sharing a fresh harvest from his garden, or enjoying a game of canasta with Janice, LeRoy’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of many. His legacy will continue to live on in the family he loved and the community he faithfully served.

Funeral service is at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, Humboldt. Visitation is from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church, Humboldt.  Burial will be at St, Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Latimer.