Thomas Phillip Jorgens, 79

Long Lost Lake – Thomas Phillip Jorgens, 79, died August 26, 2026, at his winter home in Roseville.
Born to Joseph and Anna Jorgens in Bertha, Tom grew up on the family farm. He studied agricultural economics at the University of Minnesota, where he met Michal Kulenkamp. They married in 1970 and shared 56 years of marriage, raising their daughters, Gwen and Amber.
Tom began his career teaching economics at the University of Minnesota before moving to rural Minnesota to lead regional development commissions in Appleton and Crookston. During his 34 years in Crookston, he worked to strengthen communities throughout northwestern Minnesota. He founded MetaDynamics and PolyCell Technologies, helped guide the University of Minnesota Crookston’s transition to a four-year institution, and contributed to the creation of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute and Valley Technology Park. He also served in local government, the Lions Club and on the local hospital board.
At home, Tom found joy in his gardens, the lake and time with family and friends. He loved the Boundary Waters and took pride in his Norwegian heritage. After retiring to Long Lost Lake, he became a cherished member of its community.
Tom is survived by his wife, Michal; daughters Gwendolyn (Tom Harty) of Golden Valley and Amber Halenbeck (Scott) of Duluth; grandchildren Blythe, Lily and Leif “Wolfie” Halenbeck; special nieces Kathy Massee, Janice Jorgens (Scott), Gayle Jorgens (Stan Wai) and Phyllis Krautbauer (Dwayne); many other nieces and nephews; and dear friends of Long Lost Lake. He was preceded in death by his brother Gerald and sisters Helen Melchert and Almyra Kapphahn.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at the Bagley Public Library. A short service will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by lunch. Memorial donations may be made to Blood Cancer United, the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center or Friends of the Boundary Waters.