Russell L. Jorgenson, 88, of Luck, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at the United Pioneer Home in Luck. Russell was born at home in Laketown Township on Aug. 24, 1938, the son of Martha and Fred W. Jorgenson.
While it’s difficult to sum up the depth of Russell’s life with mere words, this depiction offers a glimpse of his life. There are so many facets to an individual it would be impossible to include them all.
Russ attended Oak Hill Country School through eighth grade, and then Luck High School, graduating in 1956. He was the first of his brothers to graduate high school. His mother provided added incentive giving him $50 to graduate. In October 1956 he married Janice Potvin and to this union three children were born: Renee in 1957, Steve in 1958, and Jeff in 1961. After Janice passed away in 2000, he married Nancy Yourchuck and gained three stepchildren, Tanya, Nathan and Levi.
His work experience encompassed a diverse range of jobs. During his youth he often stayed at farmers’ homes working during the week for $1.00/day. He worked at Whirlpool in the cities for two years, Consolidated Lumber in Milltown for seven years, Durex Products in Luck for 10 years, plastics factory in Frederic, and as a carpenter for several years. He utilized his carpentry skills when building Steve and Sharon’s and Renee and Earl’s homes. He also assisted Nancy with her Christmas tree farm. Farming was in his blood and he was able to realize his dream of farming and raising beef cattle.
His passions in life were first and foremost, his faith in God, followed by his family. Over the years he built a life centered on his faith attending various Bible studies, Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship meetings, teaching children, and putting his faith into practice through mission work, among other things. His Bible was well worn, well loved, and well read. Other interests of special note were farming, playing cards, snowmobiling, bowling, horseshoe tournaments, softball, traveling, camping, fishing, canoeing and attending bluegrass gospel music concerts.
For several years, beginning in 1978, Russ and Jan did mission work six months of the year in Oklahoma followed by Juarez, Mexico. Russ undertook a myriad of tasks including construction projects, maintenance work, driving school bus, teaching Bible classes and transporting donated food, clothing and supplies.
In later years, Russ and Nancy enjoyed many trips camping in their camper. One year they joined Renee and Tom, Steve and Sharon and family, and Nathan and Leah traveling out west to South Dakota and Montana. They took other various trips, traveling to the North Shore, and attending various bluegrass concerts.
Russ was especially blessed in his final years with the many hours of loving care he received from Tom and Renee and Shauna as he battled Parkinson’s disease. He was appreciative of other family members who assisted in many ways.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Fred and Martha Jorgenson; brothers, Clifton Jorgenson and Freddie Jorgenson; half-sister, Laura Jorgenson; half-brothers, Elmer Madsen, Edward Madsen, Russell Madsen and Jim Madsen; spouses, Janice Jorgenson and Nancy Jorgenson; and great-grandchild, Oscar Herberg.
Russ leaves to celebrate his life, daughter Renee (Tom) Rich; sons, Steve (Sharon) Jorgenson, and Jeff (Val) Jorgenson; stepdaughter, Tanya (Ben Ashley) Yourchuck; stepsons, Nathan Yourchuck and Levi Yourchuck; grandchildren, Jeriah (Karen) Ericksen, Nathan (Leah) Ericksen, Jamie (Adam) Herberg, Justine (Jack) Werner, Derek (Madison) Jorgenson, and Shauna (Max) Musial; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Joann Nahkala; sister-in-law, Marian Jorgenson; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Carol) Potvin, Gerald (Gail) Potvin, and Ken (Lois) Ruhn; and other family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Kolstad Funeral Chapel, Centuria, Wisconsin, with Bruce Tanner officiating. Russ’s family will greet visitors beginning at 5 p.m. until the time of service. Please join Russ’s family for continued visiting following the service.
The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.
