Bernita Joan Jorgenson was born October 21, 1929, in Montevideo, Minnesota, the daughter of Oscar and Ella (Mork) Heieren. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Baxter. She grew up on a farm in Baxter Township of Lac Qui Parle County. She attended school at District #8, a one-room schoolhouse in Baxter Township, then Dawson, and graduated from Montevideo High School with the Class of 1947. Bernita worked for Dr. Henry Roust in Montevideo helping with patients. During the summer, she worked for Archer Daniels Midland Company recording information regarding the flax straw they hauled. On October 30, 1949, Bernita was united in marriage to Roger Jorgenson at Our Savior's Lutheran Church of Baxter. They were blessed with seven children and nearly 62 years of marriage. Bernita was employed at the Benson High School as a secretary for the high school counselor, and worked there for 24 years. Bernita was a member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson and the Quilter's group and WELCA. She also was a member of a Homemaker's group. Among the things she enjoyed were sewing, quilting, machine knitting and crocheting. Bernita was called from this life on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at St. Benedicts Senior Community Center in St. Cloud. She attained the age of 81 years, 11 months and 22 days. Bernita is survived by her husband, Roger of St. Benedicts Senior Community Center in St. Cloud, formerly of Benson; her children: Jeffrey (Amanda) Jorgenson of Annandale, VA, Elizabeth (Jay) Kellner of Rice, Allen Jorgenson of Fargo, ND, Emily (Scott) Howley of Dallas, TX, and Jane (Kevin) Kellner of St. Augusta; ten grandchildren: Daniel, Zachary, Ethan, Brandon, Jillian, Shane, Amelia, Sarah, Sofia, and Anna; one great grandchild, Hayla Grace; sister, Elsie (Don) Holtan of Dawson; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her son, Marcus; a stillborn daughter, Janet Marie, and her parents.
