2005 Jorgenson Family Reunion

Family Reunion 2005

Mention “Family Reunion” to some folks and their eyes glaze over. Some “families” just don’t like each other. That’s not the case with the Jorgenson clan.

In 1976 the remaining eight children of Engebret & Elise Jorgenson gathered the clan together on the family farm in southwest Minnesota. That marked the beginning of what has become a bi-annual “happening”.

The 2005 gathering was held in late June at Imago Dei Lutheran Camp in north-central Wisconsin. It officially started Friday evening but had been in the planning ever since the last gathering 2 years ago.

Cindy & I had rented a car after flying up from our home in southern New Mexico. When we arrived other family members were arriving also. There were members of the Roger & Bernita clan from southwest Minnesota. Hugs, handshakes, smiles and greetings were exchanged while the cars were unloaded and bags were being carried into the cabins. Scenes like this were happening elsewhere in the camp as other family members arrived and settled in. Lorna & Spenser (I hope I’m spelling it right Spenser) arrived from Connecticut, Enid from Atlanta, Don from Phoenix, Barb & Joe from Tucson, Scott & Emily from Texas, Laura & BJ from Colorado, etc.. A total of 94 clan members from all over the U.S. came this year. Now if we could only get JoAnn & Bill from Melbourne, Australia we would truly have had international representation. A few reunions ago my cousin Jeff & his family were there from Colombia, South America so that year we did have international representation. My dad Harlan is the oldest clan member at 89 with the youngest there being a weeks old foster child Paul & Deb are currently caring for.

The reunion starts Friday evening and concludes Sunday morning after we worship together.

During our time together we have a horseshoe tournament (this year with cheerleaders), a “closest to the pin” golf contest, hunt for the Golden Lutefisk” and other games involving raw eggs, water, buckets, baseball bats, etc. for all ages. Group pictures are taken on Saturday and of course we have the clan parade which is a hoot. Each clan member (members of the following families - Obert, Harlan, Harriet, Kenneth, Roger, Robert & Herbert) have shirts identifying them as belonging to that clan. The head of each clan has a Viking helmet and a banner also. Everyone is supposed to walk behind their clan banner & leader in parade formation. So strollers, wheelchairs & walkers alike join the throng for a short parade. I should also mention that the current “president” is carried on a throne at the front of this procession. He/she wears a fur robe and helmet. The only thing missing is a crowd of people to watch. Everyone is in the parade. Each night there is a campfire gathering for those who want to hear the same old jokes .

Our Friday night meeting set the stage this year with a video presentation of president Don traveling from Phoenix to the reunion. He was wearing his robe and helmet of course. You have to see it to believe it. At our Saturday meeting new officers were “chosen” and we are set for the next gathering.
During our time together we laugh a great deal, talk endlessly, nap in the shade, play games, eat and simply enjoy getting re-connected.

Well Mary Ellen from El Paso, Texas is our next president. What will she “decree” for our next gathering? Who will able to attend? Who will the judges allow into the clan this next reunion?

Shalom