Catherine Helen (a full blooded Norwegian) was born April 29, 1920 in Leland, IA to Gilbert & Clara (Charlson) Thompson (one of nine children – six still living). She received a teaching certificate from Waldorf College in Forest City, IA. Kate taught in a one room schoolhouse prior to being united in marriage May 26, 1940 to George J. Tjornehoj in Leland, IA. The couple lived in several Iowa towns before settling in Eagle Grove. She was active in the Eagle Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church, WELCA, circle, family fellowship and in any way she could use her piano playing or baking skills. She treasured her membership in Cecelian Music Club, Equality, Garden & Bookworms Clubs & as pianist for Sons of Norway. Her love of learning continued throughout her live.

Catherine Helen (Jorgensen) Tjornehoj, 90, slipped away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Rotary Ann Nursing Home. Her parents, husband, daughter Jeanne Louise Schweikhardt & granddaughter Anna Tjornehoj preceded her in death. Kate is survived by her children Mary Helen (Martin) Schaeferle of Mountain Home, AR, Kathy Tjornehoj of Story City, IA, Thomas G. (Barbara) Tjornehoj of Franklin, TN & Daniel M. (Kristin) Tjornehoj of Hudson, WI; grandchildren Jessica, John & Jamie Tjornehoj of Hudson, WI, David & Laura Tjornehoj of Franklin, TN, Martin Scott (Kim) Schaeferle of Chanhassen, MN, Matthew (Tammi) Schaeferle of Powell, OH, Heather Schweikhardt of Houston, TX, Jeanne (Robert) Nieto of Woodlands , TX, Heidi (Carl) _____ of Woodlands, TX, Robert Schweikhardt of California & Joe Schweikhardt of Houston, TX & nine great grandchildren.

Visitation: Monday, February 28, 2011, 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Foust Funeral Home,
Eagle Grove, IA

Service: Tuesday, March 1, 2011, 10:30 AM, Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 SW 2nd Street, Eagle Grove, IA

Age: 90 yrs
Burial March 1, 2011

Source: Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove, IA

Source: wrightgenie