Peter A. Jorgensen, 89, of Kenosha, WI, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 27, 1935, in Kenosha, he was the oldest son of the late Anker and Olive (Burr) Jorgensen. On June 29, 1957, he married Alice Gyurina at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Kenosha. They were happily married for 57 years before Alice preceded him in death in 2014.
Peter proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He later worked as a police officer for the Kenosha Police Department and went on to retire from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as Assistant Chief and Air Traffic Controller. Peter’s service to the community as a police officer and his leadership in air traffic control left a lasting impact on those who worked with him. He was a dedicated animal lover, particularly of dogs, and enjoyed a variety of hobbies including reading (history, politics, and science fiction), playing chess, and watching sports. Peter enjoyed cheering on the Packers, Bucks, Brewers, and Badgers and was an avid spectator at the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He also loved jazz and blues music and kept his mind sharp with puzzles and games.
Peter was known for his sense of humor, especially his “dad jokes,” and his ability to fix or build anything—skills passed down from his father, a carpenter. He loved traveling, cooking, fishing—especially for the big catch—and indulging in his favorite seafood, walleye. His home-made shrimp pasta salad was a highlight of many family dinners. Above all, Peter treasured his family, including his children and grandchildren, and his close circle of friends, with whom he spent countless hours in conversation. Peter was a devoted and loving father and grandfather whose wisdom and humor shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren, leaving a legacy of love and laughter. He will be deeply missed.
Peter is survived by his sister Judy Penava, brother Charlie (Lynne) Jorgensen, children James (Donna) Jorgensen, Dr. Daniel (Xilla) Jorgensen, Susan (Duane) Kilby, Julianne (Greig Greenwald) Jorgensen, and Peter G. (Nancy) Jorgensen; grandchildren Christian (Elizabeth), Erik, Ethan, Jakob, Caitlin, Kristin, Matthew, Madeline, Kira, Alex, Olivia (Taylor), Jeromy, and Anna; and a great-granddaughter, Isabella; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Proko Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii Catholic Church, 2224 45th St., Kenosha, WI, followed by military honors at All Saints Cemetery in Pleasant Prairie, WI. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations in Peter’s memory to Safe Harbor Animal Shelter or Shalom Center.
