Jerry L. Jorgensen

Funeral Recording - https://audio.funeralrecording.com/embed/baa183d6-b7ce-11ee-8f2b-0e93634d2851

Jerry L. Jorgensen, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away at his home in Draper, Utah, on Jan. 15, 2024, after a brief illness and just days before his 95th birthday. He was born Feb. 6, 1929 in Murray, Utah, the oldest child of Henry C. and Ruth Goodman Jorgensen.

Jerry grew up in Sandy, Utah, before moving with his family as a teen to northern California and graduating from Sequoia Union High School in San Carlos. His undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University were interrupted twice — first by a mission to Denmark for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and, later, by a stint in the United States Army during the Korean War. 

Jerry married the love of his life, LaRae Watkins, on Aug. 26, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised six children, mostly in their home in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

Following graduation from BYU, Jerry earned an MBA from Stanford University and a PhD in applied economics from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Jerry was not only an educated man, but also a life-long educator. He taught thousands of young people during his nearly 30 years as a professor at the University of Utah’s College of Business. He finished his professional career at the University of Calgary, where he was the university’s first Insurance and Risk Management chair.

Dad was a big fan of reading, traveling, the Utes, grandchildren, live theater, the symphony, politics and spending time with friends and loved ones. He was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and served in many church positions during his long life, including as a bishop twice and as a senior missionary with LaRae in Orlando, Florida.

Family was Jerry’s No. 1 priority, however. Driving across the country in a motorhome with six kids in tow — being on the road for several weeks at a time on occasion — provided cherished memories for all. Houseboating trips to Lake Powell and Christmas mornings at the family cabin are priceless experiences his children will always remember. He made a point to attend his kids’ sporting events, recitals and performances and took great pride in their accomplishments. 

He was frugal, but not cheap. He was funny — sometimes even on purpose. He was filled with wisdom and gave great advice. He was stern when he needed to be, but always loving afterward.

Following retirement, Jerry continued his education as he traveled with LaRae to every corner of the world. And while he enjoyed visits to Russia and China, Australia and Brazil and almost everywhere in between, he would say his favorite trip was to the Holy Land because of the closeness he felt to the Savior while there.

We love you Dad. You will be dearly missed.

Jerry is survived by his wife of more than 68 years LaRae W. Jorgensen; brother Dan C. Jorgensen; children Nathan (Kristie), Brian, Maren Butler (John), Gaylen (Patricia), Loren (April) and Shaun (Connie); 25 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Marcia Jorgensen Peterson and Marva Jorgensen Schwendiman.

Funeral services will be held Saturday Jan. 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the South Mountain 3rd Ward building, 272  E. Traverse Pt. Drive, Draper, Utah, 84020. Viewings will be held on Friday, Jan. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at the Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, 84121, and Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church in Draper prior to the funeral service. Burial will be at the Murray City Cemetery, 5490 S. Vine St., Murray, Utah, 84107.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity — or, better yet, save your money to go towards a trip to somewhere you’ve never been before.