Jorgen Dahm Jakobsen

Jørgen Dahm Jakobsen, age 94, passed away August 22, 2023, in the care of Hospice and 3rd floor staff at Bethany on University, Fargo, ND, with Chaplain Brian Hansen and Jørgen's sister Jenny at his side.

Jørgen was born on February 13, 1929, to Karl and Paula (Jensen) Jakobsen at home in Skartved, Denmark. Jørgen was their first child, followed by six younger sisters.

He graduated from Agtrup Skole and was baptized and confirmed at Sdr Bjaert Kirke.

Jørgen married Ella Kieffer in Kastrup, Denmark, on December 20, 1950. Jørgen worked for Scandinavian Airlines in Kastrup until 1955, when he and Ella immigrated to the United States. They lived in Fargo for five years, learning English, and while working at the Manchester Co. making cookies, Jørgen completed courses by correspondence with United Electronics Laboratories, Louisville, KY, specializing in electronics, radio, and television, and eventually became a certified electronics technician in 1960. At the same time, Jørgen and Ella became US citizens. Soon after receiving his certificate in electronics, Jørgen was hired by Boeing, and the couple moved to Anaheim, CA. While living in Anaheim in the 1960s, Jørgen continued to take evening courses in the areas of digital computers, transistor fundamentals, and transistorized pulse circuits at North Orange County Junior College. Later, they moved to Lancaster, CA, where Jørgen worked for Rockwell International at Edwards Airforce Base. Among Jørgen's notable work projects included the B-1 bomber and the Space Shuttle. He was known for his expertise in electronic problem solving across the myriad complex systems in the aerospace industry, at times working alongside NASA personnel.

In 1969, Jørgen and Ella welcomed a son, Jørgen Jr. While continuing to work at Rockwell International, Jørgen and his family purchased property outside of Lancaster and raised pigs, goats, and chickens. The family was involved with the Antelope County fair, where Jørgen Jr. won many ribbons showing champion pigs that were more like pets. The pigs were taught, among other things, to climb up and go down a slide. Soon, Hollywood came calling, as they needed tame pigs. They purchased one and rented two pigs for the movie "Holes ."A highlight for Jørgen was being invited to the set and watching the movie being made.

Ella passed away in 2015. Jørgen continued to care for the animals on their homestead oasis in the desert, where he had devised a complex watering system that provided water for the animals and nourished the lush greenery he had planted on the property. In the evenings, he led his goats on a walk around the property until 2018, when he moved to Fargo to be near family.

Jørgen is survived by his son, Jørgen Jr., and former daughter-in-law, Cindy (Kevin) Mazek; three grandchildren, Amanda, Karl, and Jens; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Else Peterson, Muskegon MI, Anna Haverland, Colfax ND, Jenny Mackenzie, Fargo, and Aase (Bob) Gowin, Jacksonville FL; several cousins in Denmark; and many nieces and nephews in the US.

Jørgen was preceded in death by his wife, Ella; parents, Karl and Paula; sisters, Greta Algeo and Thyra Nagel; and brothers-in-law Elmer Peterson, Jim Algeo, Harland Nagel, Wayne Haverland, and Dale Mackenzie.

Aere Vaere Hans Minde (All honor to his memory)

Arrangements will be made by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, with a graveside service to be held at Joshua Memorial Park, Lancaster CA.