Obert Jergenson

ROCHESTER, MINN:Obert R. Jergenson, 80, died following failing health and a stroke, atSt. Marys Hospital on Friday, May 3, 2013. Obert Ray Jergenson was born November 17, 1932 to George and Melina (Hanson) Jergenson in rural Alden, Freeborn County, MN. He was the youngest of seven children. In 1943, the family moved to Rake, IA where he completed high school in 1950. He was in the army from 1953-1955 during the Korean War.He married LaVonne Jacobson in the fall of 1955 and moved to Austin for two years of technical school before going to work for I.B.M. The couple lived in Stewartville from 1962-2000. Obert took an early retirement in 1990 and continued to work for I.B.M. for two more years. He then delivered trucks part time until 2008. The couple moved to a town house in Rochester in 2000. They also spent winters in Apache Junction, AZ from1998-2010.Obert was active in the VFW and served as the commander of the Stewartville American Legion from 1990 to 1991. Obert is survived by his wife LaVonne Jergenson, Rochester, MN, two children, Michael (Lori) Jergenson, Chatfield, MN and Julie (Ken) Stier, Wind Lake, WI; four grandchildren, Heather and Stefanie Jergenson, and Natalie and Kylie Stier; two great grandchildren Dillon and Abigail Jergenson; two sisters, Violet Hoeg, Wells, MN and Doris Peterson, Alden, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and two brothers. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester, MN 55901, 507-289-3600, www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.