Clayton Jorgensen

Clayton Lee Jorgensen, age 74, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away Monday, November 28, 2016, at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, MN. Clayton was born March 3, 1942 in Frederic, WI, the son of Frances (Challberg) and Carl Jorgensen of Bone Lake, WI. His early childhood years were spent on the Jorgensen home farm in the Bone Lake area. Clayton's mother died when he was three years old. His dad, grandmother, brothers, Neal and Carlton, and sister, Catherine cared for him during his younger years. He was baptized at the Bone Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church and confirmed at the Clam Falls Lutheran Church. In 1954, Clayton moved to Clam Falls, WI, and lived with his sister, Catherine, and her husband, Alvin Olson. When Clayton's father died in 1956, his sister became his guardian. Clayton attended LaFollette School in the lower grades and Clam Falls and Maple Valley Schools in the upper elementary grades. He graduated from Frederic High School in 1960. He enjoyed sports and farm-related activities. Clayton chose to follow in his mother's, as well as his brothers' and his sister's footsteps, and became a school teacher. He attended Polk County Teachers' College and met the love of his life, Karen Lindberg. They were married in 1962 at Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake. Clayton started teaching in the Black River Falls School District in the fall of 1962. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in education from University of Wisconsin (UW) -LaCrosse, a Master of Science Degree in teaching from UW-Eau Claire, and his Administration Specialist Degree from UW-Superior. After teaching two years in the Black River Falls School District, Karen and Clayton were hired to teach in the Grantsburg School system. Clayton was an elementary school teacher and became the elementary school principal. He served the Grantsburg School District for over 36 years. He retired in 2000 to become a stay-at-home grandpa. Clayton was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake, Wisconsin. Over the years he was involved in many community and statewide activities, and was very supportive of youth and their activities. Clayton was a Boy Scout leader, 4-H leader, Sunday School Teacher and worked with the Grantsburg High School football team for many years. When he retired, he received the “Going the Extra Mile for Kids” award from the Grantsburg School District. Clayton was a civic-minded person, and served on the Grantsburg Village Board, the Burnett County Board, and many local and statewide committees. In 2004, Clayton received the Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association. He was very involved in many local history events and tractor events. The biggest joy of his life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Karen, who was always by his side and helped him in every way. He is also survived by his son, Greg (Heather) Jorgensen; his daughter, Janelle (Jeff) Hermann; his grandchildren: Bella, Sophie, Max and Will Jorgensen; Danielle, Chris and Lauren Hermann; as well as his little dog, Marley. Clayton is also survived by his brother Neal (Darlyne) Jorgensen, his in-laws, nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Frances Jorgensen; siblings, Catherine and Carlton; and great-nephew, Chris Olson. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, December 9, 2016, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg, WI. The Memorial Service honoring Clayton’s life will be held at 1:00 pm (visitation 12:00 to 1:00pm), Saturday, December 10th, at Zion Lutheran Church 11840 County Rd Z in the town of Trade Lake, WI. There will be a reception with a time for sharing memories of Clayton at the Crex Convention Center in Grantsburg, following the funeral service from 2:30-4:30pm. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Grantsburg, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com