Albert "Al" Marion Jorgenson

Albert Marion Jorgenson, of Troutdale, OR, formerly of Arlington, WA, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Albert lived through a century of profound change, and the legacy he leaves is a testament to perseverance, devotion, and quiet heroism. Born February 24, 1925, in Alma Township, Marshall County, near Warren, Minnesota, he was the third of ten sons raised by Jens James Jorgenson and Mary Orr Methany Jorgenson. From childhood in the rural farmlands of northern Minnesota—where a covered wagon served as his school bus and bricks warmed the children’s feet during brutal winters—Albert’s life was forged by resilience. He faced hardships including the family home burning to the ground and living in a dirt floored outbuilding through a cold Minnesota winter all with quiet strength. His young years consisted of hunting and trapping to help feed his family, tending livestock, and laboring on neighboring farms before his teenage years, often accompanied by his loyal dog Buddy. There were no medical facilities nearby and when Albert’s appendix and tonsils needed removal the veterinarian performed the necessary procedures. His early education in agriculture, mechanics, and grit became foundational in all he pursued.

On April 3, 1945, Albert married Marie Doris Kreminski in Warren, MN. They were married for 65 years, until her passing in 2010. Known far and wide as “the polka king and queen,” they lit up dance floors with joy and choreography. Together they raised six children, enjoying camping, boating, and exploring scenic byways. Albert worked for many years as a Transmission Specialist before founding his own remodeling and construction business.

Albert answered the call of duty during World War II, initially volunteering for the Navy but assigned to the Army through a local enlistment lottery. He served with Company G, 13th Infantry, earning the Bronze Star Medal, Sharpshooter Badge, and the European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. His service took him across France and Germany—including Bonn, Cologne, Gladbach, Hamburg, and LeHarve. After witnessing the aftermath of the concentration camps, Albert volunteered for further deployment in the South Pacific—only to find, midway at sea, that the war was coming to an end and his ship had been turned back. He arrived back in the United States on July 4, 1945.

A private interment and ceremony will be held at the Veterans Cemetery in Fort Snelling, MN, where Albert will be laid to rest beside two of his brothers. Mount Hood Hospice in Gresham, in collaboration with the Veterans Program, planned a recognition ceremony honoring Albert with a Quilt of Valor, which will be accepted by his daughters in his memory.

Albert is survived by his brother, Morris Jorgenson; his children: Jeanne Hooks, Jeff (Terri) Jorgenson, Sharon (Al) Grieci, Janice (Mike) Jannsen, and Sandra Jorgenson; fifteen grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marie Doris, his parents, eight brothers, daughter Susan Tantlinger, grandson Ryan Grieci, and granddaughter Cassie Jorgenson.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Sunita Deshmukh, MD, and the staff of Mount Hood Hospice for their compassionate care, and to the many friends and neighbors who offered kindness and support in Albert’s final days. A special expression of gratitude is extended to his daughter Janice and son-in-law Mike Jannsen, who cared for Albert in their home for thirteen years.

In 2022, Albert accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He will be remembered for his strength, selflessness, love of dancing, and unwavering devotion to family and country. His physical strength, quick wit, sharp mind, grit and clever sense of humor endured to the very end—leaving all who knew him with smiles and fond stories that will be cherished for generations. You will be missed Dad.