Betty Jergens
Our sweet Betty Jergens, 77, passed away October 17, 2023 at home after a battle with cancer.
She was born March 18, 1946 in Alpena to Florian and Verna “Lois” (Paull) Orban.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Don Jergens; children, Jackie, Mark (Audra), Jon and Mathew (Denise) Jergens; her grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob, Nathan, Noah, Mitchell, Alex, Lucas and Jamie; siblings, Jane Klingshirn, Paulette (Larry) Kierzek, Della (Jerry) Mulka and Lana (Jeff) Kowalski; a sister-in-law, Mary Orban; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and her fur baby Dolly.
Preceding Betty in death were her parents; her brother, Larry Orban; a brother-in-law, Donnie Klingshirn; and a sister-in-law, Mary Pfahl.
Betty devoted her career as an licensed practical nurse and then registered nurse all while raising her four children. She was an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother and cared deeply for her family and neighbors.
Betty was always the first to offer help in any way (mostly with her delicious food dishes) and especially with her caring conversations. Betty and Don led an itinerant life, first meeting in Michigan but then living in Ohio, California, Alabama, Illinois, Wisconsin, New York and New Hampshire. But no matter where she lived, she made every house a home by getting involved in the community and making sure her kids were fully immersed in friends, sports, activities and school. Betty and Don loved to join community groups to enjoy bowling, card playing, philanthropy, singing and fellowship. They also traveled extensively with their family. The kids remember a four-day cross-country trip to visit relatives accompanied by the only three eight-tracks the family owned, Elvis, Charlie Pride and John Denver. One of their favorite trips was to Germany with the German Club Choir entertaining thousands of people. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Kindness and compas
Friends may visit at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 585 South Third Street, Rogers City, MI 49779, Saturday, October 21, from 9 a.m. through time of Mass at 10 a.m. with lunch immediately following.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Michigan or the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are being handled by the Beck Funeral Home.
Information and online condolences can be found at www.beckfuneralhome.org.
