Pinewood couple honored

Dana College presented Floyd and Dorothy Jorgensen of Pinewood with the 2009 Clifford T. and D. Florence Hanson Servant Award Friday during the annual Dana College Builders Luncheon.

Janet Philipp, president of Dana College, presented the couple with the award. Dana College is a private, liberal arts college in Blair, Neb.

The Hanson Servant Award recognizes individuals who model selfless devotion and gives recognition to ordinary people who do extraordinary things inspired by faith, love and service, according to a press release from the college.

The Jorgensens met while attending Dana College. Floyd Jorgensen became an agricultural extension agent, spending many years working on the Red Lake Reservation. For him, his job was one of service, helping plant family gardens, working with 4-H clubs, directing roadside clean-up and developing wildlife areas, the press release states. Dorothy Jorgensen spent her professional career as a junior high school teacher.

Together, they were foster parents, caring for seven children during the years. One foster son is still a part of their family and is married with two children. The Jorgensens also have four children of their own.

Now married more than 55 years and retired, the couple continues to give through service to their church, North County Regional Hospital, Beltrami County Community Guard, Habitat for Humanity, Soil and Water Conservation Service Board and Bemidji Community Theatre. They are also donors to Dana College.