Ronald James Jorgensen

Ronald James Jorgensen was born on August 13, 1945 to Harry and Frances Jorgensen in Niles, Michigan. Ron passed away in Kaufman, Texas on May 24, 2016. Ron was known to family and those close to him as “Papa Ron”.  He had a big heart and loved caring for others all throughout his life.  After graduating from Niles High School, Ron then moved to Dallas in 1965 and took a job with Mobil Oil Company for a short time.  He then moved to Des Moines, Iowa to raise his family.  He continued to live in Des Moines, Iowa for 24 years where he worked for the Des Moines Register as a single copy sales manager.  While at the Register he received multiple service awards including district manager of the year, and vacations for the family.  Papa Ron had a desire to help those who were in need.  He often helped the homeless by providing jobs like folding newspapers and handy work around the house.  Papa Ron moved to Texas in 1992.  In October 1995, he married Linda Swindle and set up their home in Kaufman.  Papa Ron became involved with the Genesis Center, a non-profit organization providing clothes, food, shelter and assistance to woman and their children.  As an ordained minister and a Bible scholar, he taught bible study classes to the ladies each Friday morning.  He and his wife Linda also opened up their home for an event called the “Shin Dig”. The “Shin Dig” was an event held as a place for recovery and refuge for the women and their children.  They would lead these women to the Lord and have Baptisms, performed by Pastor Dub Henry, right there in the family pond.  He even performed marital ceremonies for his daughter and grandson. Papa Ron is survived by his loving wife Linda of Kaufman, Daughters: Kelly LeMonds and husband Greg of Wylie, TX, Kristi Lee Foster and husband Don of Des Moines, IA, Kay and Charlie Martin of Seven Points, TX, Karen and David Martin of Seven Points, TX, Rita and Dace Kelly of Leander, TX, Brother: Art Jorgensen of Colorado Springs, CO, Sisters: Marcia Garner of Denison, TX, Marcia Garner of Denison, TX, Marilyn Stiefer of Denison, TX, Ellie and husband Dan of Grants Pass, OR, Sandra and Joe Durm of St. Ignace, MI, Grandchildren: Ryan, Kelsey, Andrea, David, Shane, Kara, Natalie, Rachel, Jeremy, Nicholas, Matt, Josh, Christopher, Great-Grandchildren: Bryson, Cason, Lathan, Carson, Aubrianna, Jayden, Paige, and Miley. He was preceded in death by Sister Ruth Smith of Shreveport, LA, Brother: Harry Edwin Jorgensen Jr of Des Moines IA, Grandchildren: Brittany Grant, Jennifer Jorgensen, Jeffrey Jorgensen