- Date Of Birth: August 25, 1918
- Date Of Death: September 4, 2011
- State: Michigan
Mabel M. Jorgensen passed away Sunday morning, September 4, 2011 at her residence. Mabel was born August 25th, 1918 at home in Kendall County, IL to Nels Peter and Kathenka Nielsen Jorgensen. She was preceded in death by her parents; half brother, Clarence; brothers Marinus, Harry, Sherman, Wesley Mike Jorgensen; and a sister, Margaret Jorgensen Threlkeld. She is survived by her sister, Vesta Jorgensen Wade of Texas; nieces, Kristine Larry Gilbert of Tulsa, OK and Kathleen Henley of Kalamazoo; and many much loved other nieces and nephews and their children. Mabel grew up in Yorkville, IL and later moved to Kalamazoo.
She joined the Women’s Army Corps in 1943 following in her older brother’s footsteps to serve their country and was later joined by her sister, Margaret and younger brother, Wesley. At one time, her mother had six of her seven children serving during World War II. The family suffered only one loss, the youngest son, Wesley Mike who received the Bronze Star as well as his older sister, Mabel. Upon the war’s end, she came back to Kalamazoo and became a secretary at the Upjohn Company in January of 1946, until her retirement in 1978 at which time she was Executive Secretary to the President. She enjoyed many hobbies. She was a charter member of the Upjohn Camera Club and charter member of the Kalamazoo Dog Training Club. Her love for her Sheltie dogs was well known and they received several ribbons and awards over the years. Mabel was one of the co-founders of Lauderdale Drive’s Christmas Card Lane which started in 1965.
She was always enthusiastic to put her card out and very often it included a Sheltie. She had a wonderful life doing the things she loved which includes camping at the lake, golfing, bowling, horseback riding and gardening. Mabel will be greatly missed by her longtime friends and her family. Her quiet, strong character and sense of what was really important in life remain an inspiration to all of us who were blessed to know her.
