Arlo Jorgensen

Arlo Gilbert Jorgensen (88), of Seal Beach, CA, passed away at his home on February 20, 2023, after a battle with an autoimmune disease (myasthenia gravis).  Arlo was born in Rigby, Idaho on February 16, 1935 to Hugo Djalmar & Nita Green Jorgensen, the 4th of 5 children.  He grew up in Rigby and was a 4-sport athlete.  He was also an excellent student and always had a strong work ethic. He enjoyed strengthening his muscles by throwing around huge sacks of potatoes during potato harvesting in Idaho. He also loved driving the tractors and began driving cars at 14!  His Dad owned a movie theater on main street, so you can imagine where he took all of his dates!  He also loved working there, serving others and getting to know everyone in town.

He served a mission to Denmark for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1955-58.  After returning from his mission, he attended Utah State University where he received his bachelor’s degree.  He then attended St. Louis University Dental School graduating with a Dental degree.  In 1964, he joined the Army Dental Corp as a Captain in the Army and was stationed at Fort Jay (New York City) on Governor's Island.  While in New York, he met Hannah Oldroyd at a church dance during Labor Day weekend (she was passing through!).  They were married 7 weeks later in the Utah Salt Lake City Temple on October 23, 1964.

After serving his time in the Army, they moved to California in 1966 to attend USC’s Orthodontic School.  Arlo graduated with a master’s degree of science in orthodontics (2^nd in his class).  After graduating USC, he opened his orthodontic practice in Long Beach, CA where he worked for the past 54 years -- until December 28, 2022.  He was working up until the end!  He loved his profession, but most of all, people.  He loved to get to know each patient one-on-one and connect with them.  His hobbies included racquetball, flying small airplanes, teaching his children sports, singing, holding family councils, watching movies (with a bag of licorice in hand), playing games with his grandkids, eating good Mexican food and spending time with his family.  Dad had the best sense of humor and he could always find the positive in everything - that is something we will greatly miss!

Arlo was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many callings: High Councilor, Stake YM President, Temple prep teacher, Bishop, and Scoutmaster.  But most of all he cherished being a husband, father, and grandfather. 

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Hannah, and their 9 children: Arlo II (Kathleen), Todd (Kamille), Neils (Stephanie), Lance (Angela), Darin (Jill), Eric (Jen), Adam (Jen), Amy, and Diana (Kimball), 40 grandchildren, his brother Norman Jorgensen, and brother-in-law Dean Harris.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Gaylon, sisters Nola & Marjean and great-granddaughter, Ember.

Funeral services will be held March 11, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4142 Cerritos Ave, Los Alamitos, CA.  A viewing will be held from 9:30-11:30. Service will start at 12:00.  A graveside/interment will be held March 24^th at 11:00 at the Utah Veterans Cemetery (Camp Williams), in Bluffdale, Utah.