February 3, 1930 – December 13, 2019
Robert William (Jorgey) Jorgensen, age 89 passed away peacefully at his home on December 13, 2019. Bob was born in Dwight, Illinois to parents Hazel (Grush) and Albert Jorgensen. He had an incredible life filled with many interesting performances. Bob owned Jorgensen Music Repair and served Colorado Springs for almost 50 years repairing musical instruments for all the school districts and music stores in the area. Bob began performing with his trumpet and saxophone at the age of 14, mastering all instruments over his lifetime, obtaining a Bachelors in music from VanderCook College of Music and a Masters in music from University of Arkansas. As a Korean War Veteran, he served in the Army Band performing with Bob Hope in the USO tours. During his career he performed with Charlie Rich, Ann Margaret, Jane Mansfield, too many to list, and even opened for Elvis during his time with the Army Band. Locally, he performed with Tommy O’Boyle, New Century Band, Bill Emery, Don Knight Trio, various bands at the Penrose Room and The Tavern at the Broadmoor and most recently the Swinging Duezers at various retirement communities.
After serving in the Korean War, he returned to Little Rock, Arkansas where he met his wife Helen (Lynch) Jorgensen while working at a music store. They spent nearly 50 years together and lived where the music and repair work were needed including Little Rock, Nashville (where they lived in a trailer park across from Elvis’ Graceland – he would tell people he was Elvis’ neighbor), Jackson Mississippi, before settling in Colorado Springs. He spent many years writing out the sheet music for all the instruments for various performances at the Broadmoor World Arena. He loved every aspect of music and performing. Several articles were written about Bob Jorgensen in the Gazette and Life over 50, and newspapers in Jackson, Mississippi. The 112 year old piano he learned to play on has been donated to the Colorado Springs Conservatory in his name.
Bob’s other interests included anything regarding UFOs and aliens..he would present people with a UFO Alien card when asked for his driver’s license. He also loved jokes, going to movies, playing bingo at the Fountain Valley Senior Center, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, the Game Show Network, word searches, and Bailey’s Irish Cream. He would greet everyone with “Tengo mucho gusto en conocerle” followed by a joke.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Hazel Jorgensen; his beloved wife, Helen Jorgensen; and sister, Vivian Baker.
Bob is survived by his 4 daughters: Cindy Gilmore, Karen Jackson, Debbie Bailey (Michael), and Judy Jorgensen (Robert Cook); grandchildren: Shawna Moreland (Ron), Sarah Carlee (Chris), Somer Fay (John), Stephanie Bailey (John Richards), Mark-Anthony Sanchez (Marie), Michael Sanchez, Heather Uhl; 9 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bill Baker; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Harris (Cliff) and Aloise Medlock; cousins: Dr. Cody Sweet, Bill Sweet, Hubert Grush, Harold Verdon, Charles Sweet; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the wonderful caretakers at Interim Healthcare and New Century Hospice.
A viewing will be held Wednesday, December 18th at 5:00pm at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910, followed by a celebration of life on Thursday, December 19th at 2:00pm at the same location. Following cremation, he will join his beloved wife, Helen, at Evergreen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to support his grandson’s journey to the Olympics. https://www.gofundme.com/f/blind-para-cyling-grad-studentvet-amp-student?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
Penny Saya
17 Dec 2019I’m so sorry for your loss, my prayers and condolences to the whole family. May he rest in peace.
Mona Apodaca
17 Dec 2019My condolences to Judy, Robert, Mark- Anthony and Michael, Debbie, Mike and family. May the Lord comfort you all with His love and great mercy
Diego and Brenda Graves
17 Dec 2019Heaven for a musical angel. A wonderful man with many talents.
Wilma Gamble
17 Dec 2019It has been an honor and privilege to meet Robert Jorgensen (Bob) as well as his daughter Judy Jorgenson, husband and caretaker Sieasa. I’m amazed at the care, love and time you spent with him . As his driver I enjoyed his company and taking part of transporting him to his musical events and appointments. I truly admire how he still continued to perform despite how he felt…It was a pleasure riding and listening to the blues with a legend I thank God for allowing me to be apart of your lives….Spread your wings…Rest in Heaven May God continue to bless your family I love you all!! Kiss kiss
Frank Sanchez
17 Dec 2019Rest in Peace Bob Jorgensen, one of the classic old timers. We had a lot of laughs together at Rice Music. Goes to show that everyone has a story to tell, and Bob has had an amazing story. I loved to hear his stories and jokes, and he had some doozies!
Somer Fay
18 Dec 2019Grandpa you were such an incredible man. I’m going to miss your jokes and you rolling your eyes after. Your smile was contagious and just overall such a light in our lives. 89 years !!!! You almost had 90. You truly made so many people smile. I remember meeting you at DIA and sitting with you until Aunt Judy and Uncle Robert could fly in from Seattle to fly with you to chicago. You pulled out a picture of grandma and said look how beautiful my sister is. I giggled because it wasnt your sister it was grandma. You said that’s what I meant. You always carried a photo of her everywhere you went. I know now you are finally with her. I miss you and love you so much! Until we see you again fly with the Angels!
Bill Emery
18 Dec 2019Rest in peace with lots of great music in your soul as you travel the universe, Bob. Thanks for all the music you shared with us!
Terri Pederson
19 Dec 2019I’m so grateful to have played in the trumpet section with you.
God Bless you and keep you forever and ever.
Pam Steinberg
19 Dec 2019Bob was such a character, always had joke for every occasion. I am thankful for opportunity to play with Bob in The New Century Big Band. Rest In Peace Bob.