Yvonne Marie Jorgensen, 88 years young, and lifelong resident of Wisconsin Rapids, was welcomed into heaven by Jesus, husband Gehr, son Todd, and other family members and friends on October 15, 2024.

She was currently living in Memory Care at Spero Heritage Homes in Watertown, WI, near her children. Prior to that, she lived at Brook Gardens (Lake House) Lake Mills until her memory worsened.

A funeral service will be held at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, on Friday October 18, 2024, at 11:00am. Visitation will take place from 10:00am until the time of service. She will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Mausoleum.

Yvonne was born on September 15,1936, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Alphonse and Harriet Huber. She married Gehr L. Jorgensen on June 14,1957 and had a loving marriage until he passed in 1994.

She earned a master’s degree in teaching elementary education at UW- Stevens Point. She primarily taught 4th grade in the Wisconsin Rapids school district until she retired at age 50.

She was very active and independent all her life. She spent her retirement years volunteering for the Wisconsin Rapids Housing Authority, the local Chamber of Commerce, and was a huge supporter of the Humane Society. She had her own home business called Holiday Fireside and opened her home for holiday décor shopping. She loved Christmas and shopped deals all year long for each family member! She travelled all over Wisconsin doing craft shows and was highly successful for 30 years. When not on the road, she was in her work area creating more. She loved making cards as well.

Yvonne loved to travel and was able to visit every state in the United States. Evan and Yvonne purchased an RV and wintered in Apache Junction, AZ, for several years. She always drove out there with three cats in tow and returned in spring. Yvonne would never fly!

She had a close-knit group of friends called the “card club girls” and they met monthly for games, laughter, and sharing family stories. They started this group when their kids were young. She missed the loss of Lois, Dolores, and Nancy. Jean Helmer remains a lifelong friend.

Yvonne had a love of nature, animals, decorating, maintaining, planning, and planting a park-like yard. She had two cats that were a great love and comfort.

Her GREATEST joy was her family. She loved spending time together and having phone calls with them. Every fiber of her being was love, support, prayers, and concern for her family.

Yvonne is survived by her children, Cindy Chartier nee Jorgensen, and Dale (Tammy) Jorgensen; special friend of 17 years, Evan Smith; grandchildren, Tim and Jacob Chartier, Kelsey (Kyle) Gilbert, Brittany Lascari, Amanda, Serina and Karah Jorgensen, Ashley Torres, and Nick Gaugert; great grandchildren, Landyn Jorgensen, Arrow McHoes, Rolynd Lipinski, Zachary Lascari, Jayce Lascari, and Tristen Lascari; and mother to Todds children, Lori Hissa, who she loved like a daughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gehr; son, Todd; parents, Harriet and Alphonse Huber; and siblings, Roger, Peter, Donald, and Kathleen.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lake House, Spero Heritage Memory Care, and Rainbow Hospice for their compassionate care in her final days, as well as the support they gave to the family. Further, they would like to thank neighbors, especially Lori, who went above and beyond in caring for Yvonne at her home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Yvonnes memory may be made to any local Humane Society or Best Friends Animal Society that she faithfully supported.

Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.