Theron Don Jorgensen

By By

Theron Don Jorgensen, 86, passed away Jan. 2, 2016 in Orem, Utah from causes incident to age. He was born in Castle Dale, Emery County, Utah on Dec. 6, 1929 to James Lester and Adela Caroline Seely Jorgensen. He was the fourth of their six children.
Don grew up in Castle Dale working with his parents and siblings on the family farms where he developed a strong work ethic and an “I can do” attitude. Blessed with a keen mind, he had the ability to figure out how things worked and could build, repair and improvise. He had a strong body and powerful hands and never shied away from hard physical labor whether it was doing farm work, construction, working in the city and county or coal mining. He spent many days in the mountains and on the other sheep allotments herding the family’s sheep herd and he became a fast and proficient sheep shearer.
Don learned by doing and from working with others who taught him valuable skills. His formal education was in the Emery County schools. After completing an LDS mission, he briefly attended BYU, but chose to return to work on the farms and with the sheep. In 1970, he accepted employment at Plateau Mining Corporation and retired in 1996.
He was inducted into the army in 1951. After completing basic training, he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska at the Eielsen Airforce Base where he became a ski trooper.
Don was civic minded and committed to the betterment of his town, county and country. He was a city councilman from 1972 to 1979 and then mayor of Castle Dale for an additional 10 years. He was part of the Emery County Council of Governments and a board member of the Emery County Special Service District.
Don was a quiet, unassuming man who did not seek recognition or acclaim. He went about his work with determination and steadfastness and was known for his integrity and genuineness. He believed in giving an honest day’s labor for his pay. He was always the same no matter the circumstance. What you saw was what you got.
Faithful to his callings in the LDS Church, he diligently served in the quorums, auxiliaries and in bishoprics and was the senior president of the 81st Quorum of Seventy in the Emery Stake. At that time he opened his home to many missionaries whom he treated as his own. He served two missions; the first was a 2 ½ year mission in New Zealand and the second was with his wife in Nauvoo. He served in both the Manti and Mt. Timpanogos Temples.
Don was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple to his sweetheart, Mary Ann Gardner, September 23, 1960. They were married 55 years. He was a devoted companion and a beloved father. Always frugal with himself, he was generous to a fault with his family. He taught his family by word and example and encouraged each member to become educated and render service in their communities and in their church. Don accomplished much in his life, but his greatest joy was his family. They meant everything to him.
Don is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: John Lester (Marie Yvonne), Joseph Carlton (Shirley Louisa), Allen Gale (Mary Ann) and Shirley Lena (Archie Peter Christensen). He is survived by his wife and his two daughters: Caroline (Charles Allen) Kreutzkamp and Apryll Lynell (Brad Wayne) Jorgensen. His grandchildren are Chazz Jorgen, Mary McKayla and Erika Donn Kreutzkamp and Josie Ann, Allie MaeRene, Katelyn Grace and Samuel Brad Jorgensen. He is also survived by his brother, Justus Ray (Carolyn) Jorgensen.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016 in the Castle Dale First Ward located at 35 East Main Street at 1 p.m. There will be a viewing in the Relief Society Room from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Treasured Moments Home Health, Sunrise Hospice and all others who lovingly cared for Don. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sunberg-Olpin Funeral Home. Condolences can be sent to www.SundbergOlpinMortuary.com. Interment will be in the Castle Dale City Cemetery.