Gert Erik Jorgensen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Gert Erik Riber Jorgensen of Olds.  Gert passed away Sunday April 22, 2012 at his farm with his family at his side.

Gert was born in RockGlenn, Sask March 17, 1930 & then lived in Big Beaver, Saskatchewan.  He was the second son of Holger & Else Jorgensen.  His dad passed away in 1970 and mother 1996.

After leaving Big Beaver, the family moved to Scandia, Alberta; then on to Olds in 1945 when Gert was 15 years old.  Gert finished grade school at the Garnet School and went on to graduate at Olds Agriculture College.  Many good and challenging years were had.  On November 27, 1953 he married Helen (Fisher), oldest daughter of Lawrence and Daisy Fisher.  They both belonged to  the 4-H Beef Club.  Gert was a very hard worker and loved his life as a farmer right up to his passing.

As a young man he got up to milk cows by hand, slopped pigs and made sure the milk wasdown to the highway by 7am and then off to school.

Gert bought his present farm in the Lone Pine District from his Dad in 1947.  He used to drive his beautiful black team over and work all day building the farm up to what it is today. It was originally called the “Star Ranch” but with being situated on the 4 Lane Highway, it was suitable to rename the farm “4 Lane Herefords”.  He loved his Hereford Cattle and took many prizes at the Calgary and Lacombe Bull Sales.  Gert and his sons ran a cattle and mixed grain farm.

Gert loved to visit with his many friends, relatives and neighbors.  His witty jokes would always give everyone a good chuckle. He was a great family man and if anyone needed help he was there.  He loved sports especially watching his grandson’s play hockey or compete in rodeos.

Gert leaves to mourn his wife of 59 years, Helen.  One daughter Judy Reeds, two sons Rick (Cathy) and Dave (Marion) of Olds.  Seven grandchildren Chris (Karla) Reeds of Trochu, Amy Reeds of Calgary.  Jess (Kelsey) Jorgensen of Olds, Mandy (Cordell) Griffith of Cessford, Cass (Jordon) Bargholz of Sylvan Lake.  Six great-grandchildren: Hayley Reeds, Tye and Zane Jorgensen, Tenley and Jorja Griffith and Willa Bargholz.  Gert loved his family and did everything he could for them and especially loved to tease his grand & great grand children.  He loved our many get togethers.

He is also survived by his brothers; Ove (Shirley) of Bassano, Martin (Rosalie) of Sundre, sister Glenna (Peter) Shulz of Olds and sister-in-law Joyce Jorgensen of Olds. Brother-in laws Walter Fisher & Bob Fisher of Olds, Roy Fisher (May) of Valleyview; sister –in laws Linda Fisher of Olds & Heather Watson (Bill) of Calgary; also numerous nieces and nephews.

Gert will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Upon Gert’s request there will be no funeral service.  A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Olds Evergreen Center on April 27, 2012 from 2pm to 5pm.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to STARS, Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB  T2E 8M7.

Messages of condolence may be left for the family.