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William Peter Jorgensen

January 17, 1936 - October 18, 2021

Surrounded by his family, William Peter Jorgensen, 85, passed away early Monday morning, October 18, 2021.  Pete, also known as “Bill”, was born on January 17, 1936, in Casey, Iowa, to Carl and Sarah Jane Jorgensen. Pete grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1954. He joined the Navy in 1954 and served aboard ship and at Balboa Naval Hospital until 1957.  During his service in the Navy, Pete married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Cain, on June 10, 1956, and they were married for 65 years. After the marriage, they moved to San Diego, CA.

Upon returning to Iowa in 1957, Pete began the first job in his lengthy career as a truck driver. When Pete retired from trucking after 33 years, he then taught truck driving part time at DMACC Transportation Institute for 23 years.

Pete was also very active in the church, including membership in the Knights of Columbus. He was deeply involved in the activities of all his grandchildren and was very proud to be able to meet his two great-grandchildren. He never met a stranger; in fact, they were just friends he hadn’t met yet. Those who knew him well called him a “kind and gentle man”. He loved traveling, playing cards, and reading. He and Shirley traveled to 14 countries and 48 states. They also loved hopping in the car and driving for hours all around various small towns in Iowa. Pete and Shirley attended many Dowling High School football games and several Notre Dame football games.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Dick, and Jerry.  Left to remember and love Pete is his wife, Shirley; his children, Jim (Kathleen) Jorgensen, and Cathy (Mike) Gearhart; grandchildren, Sarah Jorgensen, Dr. Carlyn Jorgensen, Kaitlin Jorgensen, Ben Gearhart, Meg (Derik) Goodman; great-grandsons, Levi and Carson Goodman; and many nieces and nephews.

They always say you will forget the words people say to you, but you will never forget how people make you feel. This describes Pete Jorgensen to all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Church, 460 NW Washington Ave in Elkhart, Iowa on Thursday, October 21 from 5 – 7 p.m. with a vigil service at 6:45 p.m. The funeral will also be at St. Mary’s on Friday, October 22, from 10:30 a.m.

Masks are strongly encouraged. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.