Paul Jorgensen, 90

Paul Jorgensen, age 90 of Osakis, passed away Friday, July 27, 2012 at his residence at Grand Arbor in Alexandria.

On May 19, 1922 a baby boy named Paul George was born to Einer and Alice (Sahlstrand) Jorgensen in Hopkins. Paul graduated from Hopkins High School in 1940 and attended the University of Minnesota for a year before transferring to the Georgia Military College. After 18 months there, he served his country during WWII as a Technician 5th grade with the 139th Engineer Construction Battalion. He served in the Southern Philippines, receiving the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1944 and returned to Minnesota to complete his education degree. He first attended Gustavus College and then finished his degree at St. Cloud State University.

On October 2, 1948 Paul was united in marriage to Mary Ellin French in St. Cloud. They moved to Montfort, WI in 1950 when Paul accepted a teaching position there. He was certified to teach world and American history, as well as typing, bookkeeping and boys and girls physical education.

Paul loved athletics and coached many types of teams over the years. His coaching career included the sports of tennis, cross country, football, basketball and track. The Montfort Little League team won their first state championship under his leadership. After a short time in Barnum, the Jorgensen’s moved to Osakis in 1956. Paul continued to teach history and physical education, but then added drivers training instructor to his summer routine. He estimated that over the years, 1,700 students had received their driving instructions from him.

Paul was a member of Osakis Lutheran Church (singing in the choir for 36 years), the Osakis VFW Post and the American Legion. He belonged to the Masons, the Shriners and also sang for more than 12 years with the Alexandria Chordsmen Barbershop group.

Paul had a love for all sports, but especially enjoyed golf. He was the resident golf pro at the Osakis Country Club for more than 25 years and was also the first Club Champion. He also liked to go bowling, ice fishing and cheer on his favorite sports teams on television. He enjoyed a good game of cards, all kinds of music and liked to keep busy by repairing damaged golf clubs.

Paul is survived by his wife, Mary Ellin Jorgensen of Osakis; son, David Jorgensen of Harding; daughter, Sara (Lonnie) Heffron of Carlos; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth Doyle of Plymouth; two brothers-in-law, Bill (Judy) French of Osakis and Cal Repulski of Sauk Rapids; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, LeAnn in 1954 and Martha in 2010; brother-in-law, Jim Doyle; and two sisters-in-law, Kay Repulski and Shirley Ogden.

A memorial service was held for Paul on Sunday, July 29 at Osakis Lutheran Church. Officiant was the Rev. Ron Calvert. Musicians were Carol and Tom Dahle. Interment was at West Evergreen Cemetery in Osakis.

Arrangements are with Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis; www.royhetland.com.

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