Orville "Brownie" Jorgenson

Orville "Brownie" Jorgenson, age 93, of Watertown, SD, formerly of Waubay, SD, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Bethesda Home in Webster, SD.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown with a short service at the funeral home starting at 4:00 p.m.  The service will be live-streamed via our website.

Orville “Brownie” Paul Jorgenson was born May 10, 1931, to Adolph and Laura (Ridd) Jorgenson of Webster, SD.  He graduated from Waubay High School in 1949. 

On July 8, 1951, he was united in marriage to Muriel Hogan of Summit, SD.  The couple made their home on a farm southwest of Waubay, where they raised three children. 

Orville started auctioneering on his own and selling baked goods and produce in the basement of the Congregational Church with the help of his brother Marvin “Bob.”  After twenty-seven years of farming, he sold the farm in 1976 and moved to Watertown.  He proceeded to be a full-time auctioneer, prominently selling personal property, farm, and real estate.

Throughout his life, Orville had an act for auctioneering and was matched with his love and hard work/inability to be seated.  During his career, he called over 10,000 auctions.  While calling sales 8-12 hours at a time is no small task.  His personality was entertaining the crowd and making auctions enjoyable.  He loved interacting with the people, and very seldom would forget names.  Orville also auctioneered car auctions for 36 years, including Minneapolis Auto Auction, Sioux Falls, and Tri-State Auto Auction out of Fargo.  He was dedicated to his work and wouldn’t miss a sale.  Orville leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and commitment to his family and the communities he served in.  He retired in 2005.

Orville and Muriel moved to Apache Junction Arizona, where they lived for almost 15 years.  He loved flea markets, playing cards, puzzles, tennis, dancing/jigging, patio parties, and hanging out with friends. 

In October 2020, Orville and Muriel moved back to Watertown due to failing health reasons.  In August of 2021, he was moved to Webster, SD, in Bethesda Nursing Home.  He passed away on January 29, 2025 at 1:45 a.m. at the age of 93.  His faith in God was important to him.  Orville would never miss Sunday morning church.  The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers for the exceptional care given to both Orville and Muriel while they resided at Bethesda Nursing Home. 

Orville will be greatly missed by his daughter, Dixie (Don) Jellis, of Watertown, SD; daughter-in-law, Deb Jorgenson; grandkids, Justin (Jessica) Starr, Chasity (Steven) Hilgemann, Joe (Kelsey) Jellis, Apollo Jorgenson, and Nicole (Michael) Breyfogle; great-grandkids, Jace, Jordan, Jazelle, Cash, Kollyns, Jett, Tripp, Aidyn, and August; and his brother, Ivan.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Muriel; sons, Jerry and Roy; infant daughter, Gayle; brothers, Marvin “Bob,” and twin Orvis “Winkie;” and sisters, Mildred, Helen, Vanessa, and Grace.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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