Obituary of Neal A. Jorgensen

Neal A. Jorgensen, 85, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Born in Luck, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late Carl and Francis (Challberg) Jorgensen.  He was raised on a dairy farm and attended local schools.  Neal graduated from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls.  He earned his master’s and PHD Degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  Neal served his country, honorably in the U. S. Army.

 

Neal excelled in all aspects of higher education.  He was an outstanding educator in the classroom and in advising the many graduate students he trained.  He also made countless presentations before farmers, dairy business leaders, researchers, lawmakers, and other groups.  He conducted groundbreaking research, much of it collaborating with faculty from other college departments as well as Universities.  He was a trusted and responsive administrator, serving as Associate Dean and then as a Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences University of Wisconsin.  Neal was a doer, willingly stepping forward as necessary to find the right people to get the job done.

 

Neal enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities at their cottage near Luck, Wisconsin with family and friends.

 

Upon retirement he and Darlyne wintered in Florida for a few years before becoming permanent residents of The Villages in Florida.  They joined New Covenant United Methodist Church, The Villages.  They enjoyed the lifestyle and camaraderie of their neighbors and friends.

 

Neal is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Darlyne Rae (Olson) Jorgensen, a daughter, Pamela Hopkins of Estero, FL and granddaughter, Natalia Hopkins.  He is also survived by sister-in-laws, Karen Jorgensen, Colleen Adams-Schween (Don) and many nieces and nephews and of course friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents Frances and Carl and siblings Catherine, Carlton and Clayton.

 

A Celebration of Life will be postponed due to Covid-19. Memorials may be made to the Neal Jorgensen Dairy Science Endowment Fund #132270937, U. W. Foundation U. S. Bank Lockbox, P.  O. Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI  53278-0807

 

For online condolences visit www.hiers-baxley.com

 

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