Russell Philip Jorgenson, age 100, a beloved husband and father, WWII Army Air Corps combat veteran, and dedicated man of God, passed away peacefully at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston, Minnesota.

Born on May 23, 1924, in Jesse Lake, Minnesota, to Peter and Thora Jorgenson, Russell lived a life defined by service, faith, and unwavering integrity. A decorated World War II Army Air Corps Combat Veteran, he served as a radio operator and gunner with courage and honor. After the war, he channeled his drive and work ethic into founding Thor Construction, which he built into a successful company. At the age of 50, guided by a deep and abiding love for Christ, Russell chose to close his business and devote himself entirely to ministry, dedicating the rest of his life to building God's Kingdom.

Russell’s deep love for Jesus Christ was evident in a lifetime of faithful service. He dedicated over a decade each as St. Paul Director and State Director for Child Evangelism Fellowship. Also, he served with the Billy Graham Association, the Union Gospel Mission, the Gideons International, and the Minneapolis Businessmen’s Fellowship. He led Bible studies at Hope Lutheran Church and ministered weekly for more than 15 years at the Hennepin County Adult Corrections Center, sharing the gospel with inmates. He also led regular Bible studies at the Minneapolis Veterans Home, continuing to teach even two weeks before his passing. His life was a true reflection of Christ’s love, marked by humility, grace, and a heart for others.

His life exemplified Romans 12:1,
“I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Russell always emphasized the ending of that verse-“which is your reasonable service”- as an admonition to remain humble in the service to the Lord.

He was married to the love of his life, Dolores (Nelson) Jorgenson, for 63 years. They will be reunited as he is laid to rest with full military honors beside her at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Russell is survived by his daughters Diana Jorgenson, Sierra City, CA; Carol Stewart, Las Vegas, NV; son Peter Jorgenson, who resides in the Philippines; grandchildren Heather, Bronwyn, Evan, Nastasia, Caleb, Megan, and Tanner; four great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; brother Stanley Jorgenson and sister Sheila Windt. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dolores, in 2010, his daughter, Susan, in 2014, his sisters, Marvel Hensel and Gloria Wicklund, and his brothers, Sherman Jorgenson and Arlo Jorgenson. His legacy of faith, love, and service lives on in all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Church, located at 5200 Emerson Avenue. N, Minneapolis, MN, 55430, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am at the church. A private graveside service will occur at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name. The remaining donations will be given to his favorite ministries after the funeral arrangements are made.

Dad's favorite verse in the bible.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
— John 14:1–2.