Jorgen R. Klefstad

He was born on Feb. 26, 1933, in Felch. The youngest son in a family of Norwegian immigrants, he lived a life filled with community, faith, and integrity here in the Upper Peninsula that he loved so much. A member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain, his spiritual foundation shaped the way he approached life — with kindness and dedication to others.

After graduating from Felch High School in 1951, Jorgen proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, during the Korean War, which gave him the opportunity to travel around Europe and meet the family still back in Norway.

Jorgen married Joanne Atten at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lincolnwood, Ill., on July 6, 1960. He started his career in law enforcement in Lower Michigan and transferred to the Upper Peninsula in 1966, where he and his wife Joanne raised their children, Jeff, Jean, and Scott. He continued to serve his community for more than 30 years with the Michigan State Police.

Jorgen and Joanne enjoyed traveling together and went on special trips including a wonderful visit to England with friends. They also had a memorable time seeing Jorgen’s family in Norway. One evening at the dinner table, to the delight and the surprise of his relatives, Jorgen said grace in perfect Norwegian. Further exciting destinations during their time together included: Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, and just about every U.S. state.

The two spent many winter months in Florida and Arizona. Through their son Jeff, good friendships with several transplanted Packer fans were cultivated in Phoenix. Grilling out and watching football games in various homes was a Sunday ritual in the desert.

Jorgen was a member of Shriners International, where he met lifelong friends. If you purchased pasties from the Masonic Lodge over the years, chances are he helped make them. Through his service to his country, he was also a member of the American Legion.

Everyone will remember that Jorgen loved to sit down with a cup of coffee, read the news, tell stories, and reminisce. When family came to Kingsford, they brought their hometown papers. To him, week-old news from Phoenix was fresh news when it was read for the first time in Michigan. On vacation, when coffee shops had complimentary refills and newspapers, you would see him enjoying his mornings with locals. Jorgen rarely met a stranger, and, if he did, they were not a stranger for long.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many in the area, Jorgen is survived by Joanne, his wife of 65 years. He is also survived by his children: Jeffrey Klefstad of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jean Downs (Jeff) of Felch, Scott Klefstad (Judith) of Charlotte, N.C.; grandson Brett Hietala (Jenna) of Chicago; great-granddaughter, Adaline; and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Anna, as well as his siblings Alphild, Gilbert, Geraldine, Clifford, and Marlyn.

Services will be announced later this spring to be held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful people working at Roubal Care & Rehab Center in Stephenson. For the past three years, the Roubal staff cared for Jorgen like he was a member of their family.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Jorgen’s family online at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain to honor Jorgen’s legacy of life.