Richard W. "Dick" Jorgensen Jr.'s Obituary
Richard William “Dick” Jorgensen Jr., age 95, passed away, Wednesday, August 9, 2023. He was born June 13, 1928 in Cicero, IL to Richard William and Emma Elizabeth (Goodwine) Jorgensen, both originally from the Fennville area. Dick graduated from Fennville High School in 1946. On September 10, 1949, he married the love of his life, the former Barbara Scarlett, in Holland, MI and enjoyed almost 74 years of marriage together.
Dick worked as a television and broadcast technician for many years, serving television studios in the midwestern region installing and repairing the original video tape recorders, video cameras and about everything within a broadcast television station. He was eventually hired by Ampex Corp as one of their lead video broadcast technicians. He and his bride lived in Kalamazoo, East Lansing, Dexter, and Denton (near Ypsilanti), MI; Colorado Springs, CO; Dublin, OH; and eventually retiring to acreage in Muskegon, MI. Over the years, Dick took his family on many adventures that crisscrossed the country, frequently turning a business trip into a family camping adventure and visited nearly every national park. When at home, Dick enjoyed building his hobby farm, puttering in the garden, harvesting from his orchard, fermenting wine, and raising bees. He was a certified Master Gardener and member of the Michigan Beekeepers Association and National Model Railroad Association. Photography was a passion, both in taking photographs and all the darkroom processes. He kept up with the ever-changing modes of recording history. Both Dick and Barb were ushers at the Frauenthal Theater for over 20 years. Dick is fondly remembered by his six children as a kind and devoted father with a penchant for sweets, passion for trains (both real and toy), and devotion to family, especially to his wife of nearly 74 years. Dick was an elder and Sunday school teacher at several different churches and sang robustly in the church choir bass section. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, with a deep desire that all should come to know Him as their Lord and Savior.
SURVIVORS include his wife, Barbara; six children: Ruth Kneebone of Littleton, CO, Janine (Mike) Beck of Atwater, OH, Edward (Rhonda) Jorgensen of Pensacola, FL, Denise (Douglas) Montagna of Grand Haven, Raymond (Julianne) Jorgensen of Lowell, MI, and Kirsten (Howard) Smith of Boulder, CO; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Bruce (Priscilla) Jorgensen of Robertsdale, AL and John (Pam) Zell of Kenosha, WI; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, George Kneebone; daughter-in-law, Jeanne Jorgensen; and sister, Emily Cohron. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Discovering Christ Church (2330 Holton Rd., North Muskegon, MI 49445) with Pastor Scott VanArendonk officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. MEMORIALS to Heifer International to help build honey bee farms or the National Arbor Day Foundation to plant commemorative trees will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210
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