Roy Jorgenson, a decorated WWII Veteran who was a gunner in D-Day, was a beloved Resident of the Minnesota Veterans Home - Fergus Falls who recently passed away at 99 years of age. Throughout his distinguished life, he modeled dedication to serving his country, family and community.

As the oldest of 10 boys and a teacher by the age of 21, Jorgenson learned leadership and service early on. It likely surprised no one when he immediately signed up for the Army Air Corps, now U.S. Air Force, after hearing of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

When Jorgenson signed up, he wanted to be a pilot, but that turned into being a Ball Turret Gunner on B-24 and B-17 bombers. In total, Jorgenson flew 26 missions over Europe, including D-Day of which into his 90s he still remembered being woken up at 2 a.m., being told “Today is Special Day. Today is D-Day” and instantly knowing he had a job to do. And, he could also still see the sight of “nothing but ships” from every angle.

Jorgenson earned a Purple Heart and five other medals during his service from January 29, 1943-September 25, 1945; his service was a source of pride that he enjoyed sharing including in his self-published book “The War Years.”

After his service, Jorgenson worked as salesman, bookkeeper and the Director of Inter-County Community Council in Oklee, which supported the community by remodeling homes and delivering fuel for those in need. After marrying his wife Catherine Jensen in 1969, his new family included five stepdaughters and eventually several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The Minnesota Veterans Home - Fergus Falls was honored to care for Jorgenson as one its Residents for 13 years. He quickly endeared himself to staff with his life’s stories and volunteer efforts with several organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans and Minnesota Veterans Home Honor Guard.

“Roy was an excellent conversationalist and he enjoyed telling stories of his life, including his military experience, and that of the outdoors such as the time he spent fishing at his Lake of the Woods cabin. Roy had a devoted circle of friends and family and he will never be forgotten by all the lives he touched at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls,” said Andrea Wicker, LSW, Social Worker Sr., Minnesota Veterans Home - Fergus Falls.

As an Army Air Corp Tech Sergeant and a Veteran, family man, teacher, foster parent, author, respected community member and beloved Veterans Home Resident, Jorgenson represents the service and sacrifice the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs remembers and honors this Memorial Day and every day.