Rebecca Joyce Jorgensen
June 28, 1929 – February 23, 2024
life story
Loving Mother and Wife
"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all."
"Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much.
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch."
Rebecca, an extraordinary woman
Rebecca Joyce Jorgensen, 94, passed away February 23, 2024. Rebecca was born on June 28, 1929 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Helen G. (Buchanan) and Otto W. Wilson.
As a young girl she grew up in the Viroqua, Richland Center area of Wisconsin. She moved with her parents to Madison WI in 1943 where she attended Madison East High School.
Rebecca met Robert E Jorgensen on a blind date. They married on June 26,1948 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison and were blessed with three children; Karen, James and Eric. Together they built their house in Monona and their cabin in Eagle River where they shared many loving memories with family and friends. Rebecca enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting. She actively enjoyed skiing, swimming and biking.
She was employed at University of Madison Hospital while attending Univ. of Wisconsin as a stenographer for a group of Doctors. Professionally Rebecca worked at Forrest Products Lab after attending Madison Area Technical College and later worked for the Small Business Administration for 18 years as a Business Development Specialist for Women in Business. Retiring in 1997.
Rebecca was volunteer extraordinaire. Girl Scout and 4-H leader.
She was a long time member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she also contributed many volunteer hours. Known for her pie and lefsa baking. She worked many hours in the kitchen, raising money for the youth group and camp Bethel Horizon. She worked tirelessly for years cooking Easter Sunday breakfasts as well as providing Lenten lunch and dinners. She taught confirmation classes, chaperoned youth outings, participated in blanket workshop, chaired the altar guild, served on the church council and served 10 years on the board of Bethel Horizon Youth Camp.
She was an active volunteer of the Monona VFW women’s auxiliary 7591 until her move to Capitol Lakes retirement center. In 2021 she moved to Minnetonka MN to be closer to her daughter.
Rebecca; generous spirit, classy, intelligent, spunky, feisty lady, feminist.
Rebecca is survived by daughter Karen (Paul) Pyzdrowski, son James (Cindy) Jorgensen. Grandchildren: Aaron (Brittany), Adam and Halina Pyzdrowski, Michael Marks
Great Grandchildren: Ava and Brynlee Pyzdrowski
Preceded in death by husband of 50 years, Robert E Jorgensen, son Eric. Sister Madalene Dockstader
Loving Nieces: Janet Olson and Nancy Rabl
A special thanks to the wonderful support and care given to Rebecca and family by the Park Nicollet Hospice team. Thanks Katie! And N.C. Little hospice