Jill J. Jessen Jorgenson

     Jill J. Jessen Jorgenson, 71, of Washington Island, went to be with her Lord, March 25, 2020.

     She was born on Washington Island, December 28, 1948 to Karly and Evelyn Jessen. Jill graduated from Washington Island High School in 1967. Following three years of college, she returned to the Island and married the love of her life, Kermit Jorgenson on November 4, 1972 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

     Jill grew up at her parent’s business, Karly’s Bar, and continued to always be a part of the Karly’s Bar family. She had compassion for others, and it was shown as a continuing caregiver for family and friends. After 28 years of service, Jill retired from the Washington Island Rec Center. The Season of Lights at the Rec Center was Jill’s creation and remains and annual fund-raising tradition.

     She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church once serving as council president. Jill was active with the Women of the church, the altar guild, and volunteered many hours caring for the church courtyard gardens. Jill loved designing and caring for her own beautiful flower gardens as well sharing her flowers for many weddings, special occasions or a bouquet to brighten up someone’s day.

     Jill loved her sewing and quilting. She taught quilting at Sievers and was involved in sewing the Quilts of Valor. Jill left heirlooms of her quilts for her children and grandchildren, along with baby quilts for her nieces, nephews and their children.

     Sharing her mothers love for Schoolhouse Beach, Jill continued preservation efforts there so all could enjoy. She was an excellent swimmer and loved the water. She swam Washington Harbor many times and taught hundreds of island children to swim.  Love for the outdoors, Mother Nature, and travel, added to her joy of reading and harvesting wild mushrooms and picking morels with her sister Karla and friend Cheryl. She was a fabulous cook who loved sharing her own recipes and great food, especially known for her chanterelle pizzas.

     Jill loved volunteering for her Island community, serving as a Girl Scout leader, preforming with the Island Players, serving on the W.I. Park Committee and was a member of the Woman’s Club. She sewed many squares and assembled many of the Woman’s Club Island quilts which were made for various fund raisers.

    Simply speaking, Jill was always thoughtful, loving, caring and very kind. A love that would leave her home always open and welcoming to family and friends.  

     She will be sadly missed by her husband, Kermit of nearly 48 years; daughter, Jennifer (Gavin) Hegg; son, Daniel; two grandsons, Jorgen, Anders; granddaughter, Celise; brother, Timothy (Lois) Jessen; sister, Karla (Mark) Gunnlaugsson; brother-in-law, Perry (Cathy); sister-in-law, Joyce Lackowski; brother-in-law, Perry (Cathy), sister-in-law, Joyce Lackowski; brother-in-law, Russell; many loving nieces and nephews and her dear Washington Island family and friends.

     Preceding her in death were her parents, Karly and Evelyn Jessen; in-laws, Leonard and Sylvia Jorgenson; brother-in-law, Lonald Jorgenson; and her second mother, Helene Toussaint.

    An outdoor service of committal will be held at Washington Island Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon October 24, 2020.  Masks are required, social distancing observed. A full celebration in her memory is being planned for 2021.  

     Memorials may be made in Jill’s memory for Trinity Lutheran Church, The Stavkirke, the W.I.C.H.P. and the Hegg Foundation (at any Nicolet Bank).

     Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Jill may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.

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