Marlys Rae Jorgensen

Marlys Rae (Detrick) Jorgensen was born in Upland, Nebraska on May 19, 1934 to Ralph Christian and Fern [Blickenstaff] Detrick. She died Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, in North Platte, attended by a host of witnesses both seen & invisible.

“Marty” grew up in Hastings, then attended Hastings College and Mary Lanning School of Nursing, graduating in 1956. She and Ken met in college after he served for two years stateside in the U.S. Army. They married on December 15, 1956. Four sons were born to their union: Victor (Vic) Todd Jorgensen, (December 1957), Randall (Randy) Scott Jorgensen (December 1960),Richard (Rick) Jon Jorgensen (November 1963),and Kevin Lee Jorgensen (August 1967).

After stints in Atchison (1959-1965) and Lawrence (1965-1974) Kansas, Marty & Ken moved back to his hometown of Curtis, Nebraska, where they owned Jorgensen Building Supply and Curtis Irrigation from 1974 to 2001.

High on the western edge of Curtis Marty and Ken built a lovely home overlooking the Medicine Valley High School. Their friends & family will long remember the big house on the hill as a favorite gathering spot, especially on summer evenings and Christmas vacations.

She is survived by her only sibling & older brother Neil Detrick [Donna] of Texas, sons: Randy [Allison] of Colorado, Richard [Anna] of Arizona, and Kevin [Kari] of Ohio. She leaves behind eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many beloved extended family members. 

Beloved friends & family who preceded Marty in death are too numerous to list, as she was approaching her 92nd birthday. However, husband Kenneth, his brother Harvey & wife Gayle, son Vic, and grandson Todd Abraham Jorgensen all left this world prior to her. It should be noted that our mom missed her mother's company for the majority of her adult life- often with that distinct loneliness which accompanies the loss of one's Mother.

Rest in Peace, Marty J. Few have been the mothers who were so excellent as you.

A memorial service will be on Saturday March 7, 2026 at 10:00 am at Grace Community Bible Church. Odean Colonial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com