Erling Ingard Jorgensen Jr.

Erling Ingard Jorgensen Jr., age 87, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, formerly of Dyer, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. He was born in Chicago, IL on April 25, 1934. He was the eldest son of Renetta and Erling Joregensen Sr. He married his lifelong love, Charlotte May (Turner) Jorgensen, on January 28, 1956. They met on a blind date arranged by his buddy Pete and her girlfriend Ruthie. They enjoyed nearly 64 years of marriage until her passing on January 22, 2020. He is also preceded in death by his eldest son, Daniel Erling Jorgensen who gained his wings on May 14, 2021; Morgan Jorgensen, great-granddaughter; Bill & Karen Turner, brother/sister in-law; & Cheryl Steiner, sister-in-law.

He is survived by his loving family: Wanda (Jeff) Coates, widowed daughter-in-law Laura Ann Jorgensen, Cary (Jeff) Nordyke, Dennis (Kerstin) Jorgensen, Dawn (Joseph) Swanson; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He leaves to mourn his loss one sister, Erlinga Kendall, one niece Elizabeth (Bob) Forrest, and one brother, Haven (Denise) Jorgensen. He leaves to celebrate his life his loving in-laws: John (Karen) Turner, Paul (Wendy) Turner, and many, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Erling starting working at West Pullman Works at age 16 as a mailboy. He continued to grow with the company seizing an opportunity to work with IBM information technology before it was a household name. He developed Human Resource programming allowing International Harvester and Beverly Bank to become pioneers in electronic payroll, pension, and retirement benefits. He retired from International Harvester after 40 years of service and began a second career with Jewel/Osco, now Albertsons, as a Produce Manager retiring at age 75 to enjoy his family.

Erling enjoyed his five children and many grandchildren. He often shared Bible stories with his own personal flair to make them more engaging for his kids. The best driver's education began riding along with him on his Cub Cadet tractor. His greatest passions were gardening, decorating for Christmas (always homemade paper chains and mounds on silver tinsel), a heartfelt prayer at Sunday dinner, and a robust sense of humor laced liberally with love and life lessons. He leaves behind a legacy of his impeccable work ethic and his loyalty and faithfulness to family. Erling was deeply loved in life and will forever live on in the hearts and memories of those who shared his life journey.