Bonnie Rae Jorgensen

Bonnie Jorgensen
Sigurd, Utah

Bonnie Rae Knaphus Jorgensen, 87, passed away January 14, 2022 in Gunnison. She was born on February 24,1934 in Richfield, Utah.  She was the youngest of 12 children to Andrew Larsen Knaphus and Myrtle Christine Christensen.  Bonnie married Joe Grant Jorgensen March 7,1952 in Las Vegas, Nevada and solemnized their marriage in the Manti  LDS Temple on February 16, 1956. He preceded her in death on November 22, 2001.

Bonnie was a butcher, a baker, a baby maker, oops a candy maker.  She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many capacities, including a full time mission to Melbourne, Australia and a temple worker in the Manti Temple.  She had many callings in all capacities throughout her life. Bonnie treasured her testimony above all else and never missed an opportunity to share her testimony with her family as she believed this would make an eternal difference.

Bonnie and Joe were literal in their obedience to “multiply and replenish the earth”.  They are proud parents to 12 children, 46 grandchildren, and a gazillion great and great-great- grandchildren.

She was a beacon in the community and will go down in history as the pie and candy lady. We have all come to know and love her delicious delicacies like fruit cake, pie, caramels (which can be found all across this land), penoche, fudge, hand dipped chocolates and many, many, many home baked goods.

Bonnie was kept busy with her many kids and grandkids’ activities.  Bonnie called each child, in-law, grandchild and great-grandchild on their birthday and sang to them and made sure they received this year’s birthday card and crisp $2 bill.

Hard work was not lost on Bonnie as she was extremely driven and believed there was no rest for the weary. A solid night's sleep consisted of maybe 5 hours of sleep coupled with lots of worry. Using service as her motto, Bonnie (a widow herself ) would always serve those in need.  It was not uncommon to find a warm plate of cookies, a bag of caramels, or even a birthday cake on the doorstep.  Let’s not forget Bonnie the butcher who would work tirelessly processing deer meat to earn extra money to provide the family with Christmas.

Bonnie the seamstress sewed all of her kids' clothes for years, including  Christmas dresses, prom dresses, 4th of July outfits, and all her daughters’ wedding dresses and granddaughters’ blessing dresses!

The beautiful blonde bombshell can be remembered for teaching the majority of southern Utah how to swim.  She patiently and eloquently taught the Boy Scouts life saving, mom and babies, small kids and an occasional adult class.  Her calm, yet sassy demeanor was a perfect combination to spend endless hours in the sun and water.

But, her greatest gift and legacy is the title of a mother.  Bonnie was an absolutely devoted, passionate, amazing mother!!  Bonnie managed to get kids to and from school, clothes washed, homework done, bread made, appointments scheduled and more than a million miles to Richfield and back put on the cars for more than 60 years.

She is survived in life by her children: Jerry Jorgensen (Leslie), Mesquite, NV; Malinda Spencer (Bennion), Riverton; Elaine Kidd, Sigurd; Joanne Watson (Dave), St. George; Frances Turner (Steve), Richfield; Janet Siggins (George), Monroe; Joseph Jorgensen, Sigurd; Jayson Shane Jorgensen, Provo; Jennifer Quarnberg (Lory), Ephraim; Jamie Southwick (Jed), Glenwood; Jorgina Rowley (George), St. George.  Her sister: Naomi Clifford, Ogden; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Jensen Jorgensen, Bountiful; Leah Jane Jorgensen Carter, Sigurd.

Preceded in death by her eternal companion, Joe; and daughter, Janeece Kruetzer; great- grandchildren, Lily and Gideon; 10 siblings and their spouses.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 12 Noon in the Sigurd Ward Chapel. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-7 p.m. in the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield or Saturday morning at the ward chapel in Sigurd from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Live streaming of the services and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com under Bonnie's obituary. Burial will be in the Sigurd Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

The family would like to thank Dr. Wade Anderson, Dr. Adam Jensen and all the loving, caring nurses and staff at Gunnison Valley Hospital for their love and support during this difficult time.

NOTE: Streaming is LIVE --- can only be watched during the time of the service