Evelyn Lena (Pankofer) Jorgensen
Evelyn Lena (Pankofer) Jorgensen, age 86, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1961, passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2013, after a long illness.
Evelyn was born on May 3, 1927, the only child of Albert L. and Philipine (Hoehler) Pankofer in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in New York City and Munich, Germany, graduating from Riemerschmid-Wirtschaftsschule in 1944. After World War II, she was employed as an accountant at Gimbels and Sears Department stores in New York City, and later joined the US State Department as a German language translator in Nuremburg. Shortly thereafter, she transferred to the US Army and Air Force Motion Picture Service in Munich, and while there met her future husband, Richard I. Jorgensen, who was serving as a career officer in the United States Air Force. They were married on March 10, 1951, and during the next twenty years, travelled extensively throughout the United States and Europe while raising their family. Upon retirement they settled in Colorado Springs.
Evelyn’s first and foremost love in life was her family, but she also found time to do volunteer work as a Gray Lady in military hospitals, was active in numerous Air Force Officers Wives Clubs, worked with residents of retirement homes, and was active in church activities with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her culinary skills were legendary and she thoroughly enjoyed entertaining the many family members and friends who often visited the family home.
Evelyn is survived by her three sons: Stephen A. Jorgensen of Dallas, Texas, Michael E. (Maureen) Jorgensen of Colorado Springs, and Jeffrey A. Jorgensen of South Weber, Utah; her daughter-in-law Betty Washburn of Orem, Utah; eight grandchildren; and twenty-three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of nearly fifty-two years; and her stepson, Jerry C. Washburn of Orem, Utah.
A Viewing will be held at the LDS Chapel at 4955 Meadowland Boulevard on October 4, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be served for family and friends after the service and interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs.