Gladys Mae Jorgenson, 90, a life long resident of Hershey, NE, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, NE.
Gladys was born on March 9, 1923, to Arthur E. and Martha Ellen Smack Holtgren in North Platte. She grew up in Hershey and graduated from Hershey High School in 1941. She spent the war years attending the Grand Island School of Business and was later employed by the Crane Company in Grand Island, NE.
On November 22, 1945, Gladys married Virgil Kerwood Jorgenson at her parent’s home in Hershey. They lived in Hershey where they raised three children. Gladys’ family has owned and operated the Home Lumber and Supply Company in Hershey since the 1930’s beginning with her father and continuing with her husband and son.
Gladys was a member of Maria Lutheran Church and very active with the women of the ELCA. Gladys was a member of the Prairie Lake Boat Club for 40 years and enjoyed spending time at the lake with her family and friends. In 1993 Gladys and Virgil were Grand Marshals of the Hershey Fall Festival.
Gladys enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She loved to make Christmas candy and pastries. Gladys was an avid Husker fan and always supported the Hershey Panthers. In order to maintain her independence, Miranda Fry from Home Instead, helped Gladys these past three years.
She is survived by her children, Kip (Mary Ann) Jorgenson, of Hershey, Shirley (Fred) Krejci, of Springfield, NE and Tricia (Stephen) Rosno, of Lincoln, NE; seven grandchildren, Michael Jorgenson, of Hooper, NE, Amy Jorgenson and Andrew (Sarah) Krejci, all of Omaha, NE, Kara Krejci, of Eagleville, PA, Jill (Chetan) Huded, of Chicago, IL, Matthew Rosno, of Austin, TX and Jeffrey Rosno, of Lincoln, NE; her cat, Pooky; several nieces, nephews and other family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil, and her parents, Arthur and Martha Holtgren.
Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 8, 2013, at Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey with Pastor Tim Eighmy officiating. Inurnment will be 2:30 p.m. in the North Platte Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Maria Lutheran Church or the Hershey Volunteer Fire Dept. First Responders.