Harris Hans Jorgensen

Harris Hans Jorgensen, 92, of Cedar Falls, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, surrounded by his five children. 

The funeral service for Harris was held on Saturday, February 7, at the Diamond Event Center, Jorgensen Plaza, in Cedar Falls. His graveside service was held at Elmwood Cemetery in Dike. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Western Home Community Foundation - Employee Appreciation Fund (https://westernhome.org). Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.

He was born June 21, 1933, in Jacksonville, Iowa, the son of Jens and Anne (Petersen) Jorgensen. He attended Dana College and graduated from Iowa State University in 1957 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. In 1958, Harris married the love of his life, Carol Olsen. Harris and Carol shared 60 years of marriage together prior to her death on April 22, 2018.

Harris was an entrepreneur at heart. He started his large animal veterinary practice in Earlville and then continued his practice in Dike, where Harris and Carol raised their family. Harris also developed one of the first corn ethanol facilities, and developed innovative corn hybrids and animal feed supplements. Outside of work, Harris was a civic leader, serving on the school board, town council and church council. He successfully advocated for new school and church buildings, athletic facilities, a town swimming pool, and other improvements in the area. He was also a proud and active member of Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls for many years.

Harris was a fan of basketball from a young age. He taught himself to play in a barn and was proud to be the first country school boy to play for the Harlan High School varsity basketball team, although he believed referees frequently made bad calls. Harris went on to play basketball in college and was an avid Cyclone fan. He also loved fishing trips to Canada and northern Minnesota but never understood why his buddies enjoyed fishing for walleye.

Harris centered his life on his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He modeled a marriage of true love and mutual respect. He loved and led his big boisterous family.

Harris is survived by his two daughters, Diane (David) Eaton of Deephaven, Minnesota, and Julie Jorgensen of St. Paul, Minnesota; three sons, Holt (Donna) Jorgensen of Rockwall, Texas, Joel (Carrie) Jorgensen of Montgomery, Ohio, and Paul Jorgensen of New Hope, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Daniel and John Eaton, Ryan Ridgeway, Hunter Jorgensen, Signe and Kai Brewster, Peter, Dane, and Holt Jorgensen; seven great-grandchildren, Charlie, Lydia, Caroline, James and Sarah Eaton, and Solveig and Freya Connors; one brother, George (Judy) Jorgensen of Cedar Falls; and one sister, Joan (James) Hoeft of Castle Rock, Colorado.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol Jorgensen; brothers, James (Phyllis) Jorgensen and Jerald (Erna) Jorgensen; and son-in-law, Thomas Micheletti.