Bishop Elmer Jorgensen Uintah School Board Member Dies Suddenly Friday pm The people of Uintah county were shocked when the word was received of the sad death of Bishop Elmer Jorgensen of Alterra Ward who passed to the great beyond shortly after one o’clock Friday afternoon.
Bishop Jorgensen had been seriously ill for almost two weeks and on Saturday April l3th was taken into Roosevelt where he was operated upon for ruptured appendix. He was then taken to the home of Ray Dillman. Where all that loving hands could do was done, but the end came shortly after one o’clock on Friday afternoon.
Very impressive funeral services were hold at the Roosevelt hall on Sunday at 2 p m. The hall was filled to its capacity. The men holding the priesthood stood in line on each side at the door forming an isle through which the casket and mourners passed.
Members of the High Council of the Roosevelt Stake acted as pallbearers.
The musical program was furnished by a quartet consisting of Bruce Calder, John Wiscomb, Mrs. J P May, and Miss Utahna Lewis. The opening number: “As a Father” was very beautifully rendered.
After the opening prayer Charles Stoddard spoke of his long acquaintance with the deceased and told how he enjoyed laboring as Counselor to Bishop Jorgensen when he presided over the Widstoe Ward in Garfield Stake having lived near him he had learned to love him as one brother loves another.
President Albert G. Goodrich of the Uintah Stake spoke in behalf of the Uintah School Board of at which they were both members.
Condolences were read in behalf of the board to the bereaved wife and family. He spoke of the beauties of the resurrection the joy of service and the necessity of bearing our cross heroically when death comes.
Stake President B.O. Colton read a short poem entitled “Death” by Edgar A Guest. He brought out its beauties in an effective manner. He said this occasion should not be one of weeping but rather one of for the useful life Bishop Jorgensen had begun would continue on behind the veil. It would be added upon and magnified.
“My Father Knows” was very touchingly sung by the quartet and acted as a text for the next speaker.
President Wm. H. Smart gave some very beautiful thoughts. He said perhaps the work of this parent was needed to prepare the way for the family. He addressed his remarks to the wife and children referring especially to the only son admonishing him to perpetuate his fathers name in such a way that he would be proud of him. He advanced the happy thought that all be able to meet their loved ones again if they would but live the proper life. He offered words of comfort and consolation to the grief stricken family.
First Counselor Russell Todd referred to his associations and the great respect and esteem he had for Bishop Jorgensen. After the closing song: “ Trough Deepening Trials Throng Your Way”, benediction was pronounced by President Lambert.
Interment took place in the Roosevelt Cemetery where the grave was dedicated by Abraham Jorgensen.
Bishop Elmer Jorgensen was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Jorgensen of Leota. He was born March 10 1886. When nineteen years of age he fulfilled a successful mission to Norway. Shortly after coming home he married Miss Annie Cook. To this happy union were born five children namely: Elna 19; William 14; Ruth 11; Rose 10; and Margaret 5 years. Beside his wife and family he leaves his father and mother and the following brothers and sisters: Jacob 0. Jorgensen, McGill, Nevada; Mrs. Nellie Evans, San Francisco, California; Oliver Jorgensen, Mrs. Stella Stoddard, Calvin Jorgensen, Mrs. Erma Jensen, and Melvin Jorgensen all of Leota; Mrs. Dorothy Bodily of Gusher; one sister and one brother preceded him to the great beyond.
The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful.
Relatives coming from Logan and outside points were: Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Jorgensen of Logan, their daughter and her husband; Mrs. Jorgensen’s parents; Mr. and Mrs. Wm Cook; Golden Cook; Alma Cook; Mrs. Ahlstrom and Mrs. Coral Cook, all of Hyde Park and Lola Jorgensen; Mr. and Mrs. Wood and Mrs. Dewey Cook of Smithfield; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Munk; Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Munk, Benson. Several cars started on the journey were unable to make it through on count of the bad condition of the roads due to the recent storms.
Bishop Jorgensen has always been very active and useful citizen both in religious and civic circles. Beside his work he has worked in various church capacities. Before moving into the Uintah Basin he was the Bishop of the Widstoe Ward for quite a number of years. He has been Bishop of the Alterra Ward for four years, holding that position at the time of his death. Last fall he was elected a member of the Uintah School Board. For the past four summers he has foreman at the Paradise Park Reservoir project on Mosby Mountain. The reservoir built by the Whiterocks Canal Company otherwise the citizens of Lapoint and Tridell always spoke of their foreman in terms of highest respect. He always had a pleasing countenance and a cheerful smile which radiated the beauty of his soul within. It was said at his funeral that his hearty handshake and friendly welcome meant volumes to a friend. He has lived a beautiful life and has gone to a well earned rest.
(Vernal Express April 25, 1929)