Charles Glenn Jorgensen, 79, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa, after a five-year wrestling match with cancer.  He never gave up the quest for a final pin.  In his last month of life, he was kept pain free and comfortable by Hospice of Jackson County and the staff at Clover Ridge Place, and he was visited by many friends, that loving care made it possible for the family at his side to keep him surrounded by love.

Charles Glenn Jorgensen was born on November 9, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to Arthur Christian and Cleone Jeanette (Kennard) Jorgensen.  His journey through life was marked by his commitment to education and service. After graduating from high school, he pursued higher education by attending Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and the University of Iowa. His academic endeavors were temporarily set aside as he answered the call of duty, serving in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1971, where he earned an honorable discharge for his service to his country.

The year 1966 was a pivotal one for Chuck, as he married the love of his life, Jeanne Bilidt, on September 3rd in Cresco, Iowa. Their union was blessed with love, laughter, and the joy of raising two daughters, Caytie and Meg.

Professionally, “Mr. J” dedicated himself to shaping young minds as a Social Studies teacher in the Maquoketa Community School District, where he served from 1972 until 2003. From 2004 to 2005, he became a Middle School teacher and Athletic Director at Andrew, Iowa.  He also had a passion for sports, achieving an Iowa State Wrestling championship his senior year in High School and coaching Jr High wrestling for many years. Chuck liked all of his students and encouraged them by his example to strive for excellence.

Chuck’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through in his summer and retirement ventures, where he worked as a painter alongside fellow teachers in their company, “Geez” Painting Company.  He also had rental properties and was a good landlord to many renters over the years.

A man of spiritual character, Chuck was a member of the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.  He sang in the choir and did yoga in the basement there as well as meeting weekly with a small group to pray for the world.  Chuck was a talented guitarist and vocalist, performing with the Black Velvet Band, where his love of music brought joy to many. He also was an avid fisherman, enjoyed traveling extensively in the West, and writing poetry.  In 2021, after a year of immunotherapy, he wrote a daily haiku poem and posted it on Facebook.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Jeanne Jorgensen of Maquoketa, IA; his daughters, Caytie (Mark) Anderson of Minneapolis, MN, and Meg (Andrew) Lipetzky of Lake Elmo, MN; his grandchildren, Berit, Dane, Ava, Natasha, and Greta; and his sister Patricia (Michael) Fitzgerald of Decorah, IA; his sister in law, Barbara (Jim) Holstrom of Cresco, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son in 1969, and his sisters Sally Jenkins and Nancy Carpenter.

A Memorial Service will be held on May 30th at the Maquoketa Art Experience from 4:30 to 7 P.M.  Following a short commemoration service at 4:30 P.M. there will be a time of sharing stories, finger food, and wine for all his former students and anyone who knew and liked Chuck.  Please take advantage of the parking in the lot behind the building.  See you there.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Jackson County or Prairie Creek Recreation Area.

Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.