Betty Jergens

Our sweet Betty Jergens, age 77, passed away on October 17, 2023 at home after a battle with cancer.

She was born March 18, 1946 in Alpena to Florian and Verna “Lois” (Paull) Orban.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Don Jergens, children Jackie, Mark (Audra), Jon, and Mathew (Denise) Jergens; her grandchildren Zachary, Jacob, Nathan, Noah, Mitchell, Alex, Lucas, and Jamie; siblings Jane Klingshirn, Paulette (Larry) Kierzek, Della (Jerry) Mulka and Lana (Jeff) Kowalski; sister-in-law Mary Orban; many Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and her fur baby Dolly.

Preceding Betty in death were her parents, her brother Larry Orban, brother-in-law Donnie Klingshirn and sister-in-law Mary Pfahl.

Betty devoted her career as an LPN and then RN all while raising her four children. She was an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother and cared deeply for her family and neighbors. Betty was always the first to offer help in any way (mostly with her delicious food dishes) and especially with her caring conversations. Betty and Don led an itinerant life, first meeting in Michigan but then living in Ohio, California, Alabama, Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, and New Hampshire. But no matter where she lived, she made every house a home by getting involved in the community and making sure her kids were fully immersed in friends, sports, activities, and school. Betty and Don loved to join community groups to enjoy bowling, card playing, philanthropy, singing and fellowship. They also traveled extensively with their family. The kids remember a four-day cross country trip to visit relatives accompanied by the only three 8-tracks the family owned, Elvis, Charlie Pride and John Denver. One of their favorite trips was to Germany with the German Club Choir entertaining thousands of people. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 – “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Kindness and compassion were just natural reactions to every situation for Betty. Some of her current memberships included St. Ignatius Rosary Society, Wednesday Weeders, and the Presque Isle County Sportsman Club.

Friends may visit at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 585 South Third Street, Rogers City, MI 49779, on Saturday from 9 a.m. through time of Mass at 10 a.m. The St. Ignatius Rosary Society will lead the Rosary at church on Saturday, beginning at 8:45 a.m.

A luncheon will take place in the school gym immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Michigan or the American Cancer Society.