Karen Alice Jorgensen

Karen Alice Jorgensen was born in St. Paul, MN on March 21, 1940, the daughter of the late Raymond B. Hansegard and Fern M. Hansegard. As a child she loved to sing, dance, ice skate and go fishing. At age 12 she contracted poliomyelitis. She spent many months at a hospital in Minneapolis and was in an iron lung for part of that time. Her parents were called to the hospital one night because the doctors didn't think she'd last through the night. But God had other plans for her. At age 15 she met a boy with whom she would spend the rest of her life. Tom and Karen met at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and were inseparable ever since. On June 28, 1958 at age 18 they were one of the first couples to be married in the new sanctuary at Hope Lutheran. Just 11 months later she delivered her firstborn. Tom and Karen went on to have 3 children before moving to San Jose, CA in 1965. The last of their four children was born in San Jose.

There were several times during Karen's life when she cheated death. One doctor even told her that she was like a cat with 9 lives and she had used up 4-5 already. Due to complications from her polio and a condition known as "post polio syndrome" she nearly died in 2003 and 2004. Once again she came back to us from the brink of death. God had other plans for her life.

Karen's greatest joys were her faith, husband and family. For their 50th wedding anniversary all Karen wanted was for her family to be together. No big party, just to be close again. She loved playing games, cards and listening to Tom play his piano at home. At church, even when she was barely able to do so, she would climb the stairs to the choir loft so she could sit next to Tom as he played the church's organ. Not only did she enjoy the music, but she was so proud of Tom and his musical gifts. Karen was very proud of the fact that she has sold Avon products for 47 years.

Karen is already missed by so many who loved her. She is survived by her husband, Tom, her four children Diane (Richard) Schwarz, Steve, Michael (Dawn), and Sharilyn (Jeffrey) Hetherington. She also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and one brother Roger (Mary) Hansegard.

A memorial service is planned for 11:00am on September 10, 2016 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in San Jose, CA. The family asks that in lieu of flowers consideration be given to a donation made to the church's organ fund. Checks may be mailed to:

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
1281 Redmond Avenue
San Jose, CA 95120-2747

Please indicate in the memo section "Organ Fund".

Karen was promoted into the presence of her Lord in San Jose, CA on August 8, 2016.