Lester Dwight Jorgensen

Les Jorgensen of Forest Ranch passed away peacefully on June 10, 2018 at Enloe Medical Center due to complications from surgery. He was recently diagnosed with a rare condition known as calcified arterial lesions, also called arteriosclerosis. Les was born January 2, 1938 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Harold and Evelyn Jorgensen. At the early age of 12, Les got up at the crack of dawn to help his father Harold, drive truck deliveries of coal to schools, churches, and other businesses in Mitchell, South Dakota. He was an outstanding basketball player for Mitchell High School. Les joined the Marines in December of 1955 to December of 1958, eventually he was stationed at the Alameda Naval Air Station. There he became a MP (Military Police) and his duties included guarding President Eisenhower's plane. In his free time, he further continued his passion of basketball, and many other naval sports, while serving his country. Les married the love of his life, Shirley Scheich on January 10, 1959. These two love birds started dating in 1955. Together they have two children, Steve and Melinda. Les was a wonderful family man, loving father, and devoted grandfather. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved to fish, hunt, camp and many other outdoor activities. He had a passion for craftsmanship, leather work and fringe, playing poker, and thoroughly enjoyed Western movies. One of his favorite movies included "Shane", and anything with John Wayne. Les spent his working career in the floor covering business since the 1960s. Starting his own business in 1976, "Les Jorgensen's Carpet Installation". He appreciated life, and knew that it was meant to be filled with family, friends, laughter, kindness and adventures. Les is survived by his wife Shirley, his brother: Bob (Helen) Jorgensen from Chamberlain, SD. Sisters: Nancy (Gerald) Martin from Orland, CA, Leah Jo (Rob) Rosenoff of Hillsboro, OR. Children: Steve (Donna) Jorgensen Chico, CA, Melinda (Steve) Boyd Forest Ranch, CA. Grandsons: Jay, Chris, Zach, Jared and Ryan Jorgensen Chico, CA. Granddaughters: Kalisa and Sarehnee Boyd Forest Ranch, CA. Nieces: Danette (Paul) Munson Sioux Falls, SD, Pam Jorgensen Corning, CA, Hannah (Frank) Nanez Magalia, CA. Nephews: Bret (Deb) Mitchell, SD, Monty (Sandy) Jorgensen Chico, CA, Brint Jorgensen Mitchell, SD, Richard Martin Orland, CA, Bryan Rosenoff Crestview, FL. His second mother/Aunt Gerry Franks of Mitchell, SD, many great nieces and nephews and cousins. Les was preceded in death by his father Harold, mother Evelyn, step father Bill Donnelly, brothers John and Wally Jorgensen, grandparents John and Lucy Jorgensen, Clarence and Leah Rupert, and Nephew Ken Jorgensen. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.