Glenn Leroy Jorgenson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota | 1930 - 2021 | Obituary
South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee Glenn Leroy Jorgenson, 91, who with his wife Phyllis helped to save and transform hundreds of lives through their River Park alcohol and drug treatment programs in South Dakota, died peacefully Friday, July 23, 2021, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Phyllis was at his side, as she’s been throughout their 70-year marriage.
River Park, with facilities in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls, and outreach offices across the state, was South Dakota’s first non-profit, privately funded treatment center for addiction. The principles of Alcoholics Anonymous were at the core of the River Park philosophy.
“Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is,” said Glenn. “Treat a man as he could be, and he will become the man he could be. That’s all we’re trying to do.”
As a recovering addict and alcoholic, Glenn maintained his sobriety for 18,765 days and taught that drug addiction is a disease — not a human failing or character flaw. He was a highly principled, kind, classy and gentle man, with a sharp mind, positive demeanor and a sense of humor. Glenn proved that if given a second chance, people can be resilient, can overcome extreme adversity and lead wonderful, impactful lives.
Glenn led a movement to change societal attitudes toward addiction, to correct misinformation and to eliminate the shame and stigma often unfairly attached to addiction.
Glenn hosted and KELOLAND-TV produced the enlightening nationally-distributed series “It’s Great to be Alive,” featuring Glenn’s interviews with prominent Americans and celebrities whose lives or families were impacted by addiction. Among them: Former First Lady Betty Ford, Sen. George McGovern, Dick Van Dyke, White Eagle, Brooke Shields and Johnny Cash. The lessons of those programs, spanning 20 years, remain relevant today. A 2019 YouTube documentary film, “The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash,” includes a riveting segment of Glenn’s interview with Cash. Video recordings of several “It’s Great to be Alive” shows are archived at www.ItsGreatToBeAliveBook.com.
Glenn’s life, struggles and achievements are detailed in a biography, “It’s Great to be Alive: Understanding Addiction and Offering Hope,” written by South Dakota journalist and River Park alumnus Terry Woster. The book is available through Amazon in paperback and for Kindle eBook.
Glenn was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 1996, served on its board of directors and, with friends Larry Ritz and Richard Ekstrum, provided essential funding that prevented closure of the Hall of Fame in the late 1990s. Glenn was recognized by the Hall of Fame for his contributions to the betterment of his home state, through public service in the administration of Gov. Nils Boe, various business enterprises and, especially, for giving hope and encouragement to those with the disease of addiction and their loved ones.
Glenn and Phyllis earned the love, trust and admiration of friends and strangers alike because of their empathy, compassion and integrity. The Jorgensons have lived their faith and exemplify how Christianity calls believers to care for, respect and, occasionally, forgive one another.
Glenn was born Jan. 26, 1930, in Thomas, S.D., the fourth of seven children of Lloyd and Gladys Ellsworth Jorgenson.
Glenn was educated in the Hayti schools and graduated Hayti High School in 1948. Glenn attended General Beadle State College, Madison, S.D., earning a teaching certificate in 1950. Glenn then taught 6th through 8th grade in the Dempster, S.D., country school for one year before deciding to marry his high school sweetheart.
Glenn and Phyllis Anderson were married May 21, 1951, three days after Phyllis graduated high school. The Jorgensons moved to Pierre where they resided for about 40 years and where daughters Jennifer and Julie were born and raised. Glenn redirected his career from teaching to business and public service in state government.
Glenn purchased and operated credit bureaus in Pierre and Rapid City, he was part-owner of the Statesman restaurant in Fort Pierre, managed a motel and a hotel in Pierre, and eventually joined the administration of South Dakota Gov. Nils Boe, serving in a cabinet position as state director of employment.
Glenn, coping with relentless and unexplainable headaches, became addicted to prescription opioids and he further self-medicated with alcohol. His life was out of control, his mental and physical health in peril and his family was in crisis. Phyllis delivered an ultimatum to Glenn: “Get help before it’s too late, or the girls and I are gone.” He got the message.
Glenn entered treatment for drug and alcohol addiction on March 8, 1970. It was successful. He remained clean and sober from that day forward.
Shortly after discharge, Glenn had a vision for what would become River Park. The nonprofit launched on Aug. 8, 1970, first with an existing half-way house in Pierre and gradually expanding to a statewide footprint. Glenn was executive director and then CEO. Phyllis instigated and oversaw River Park’s innovative family program. River Park operated for about 20 years until its merger with a Chicago-based organization, Parkside. Glenn and Phyllis then launched and funded the River Park Foundation to continue the educational mission. They moved to Sioux Falls in 1987.
Glenn was a member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls for 32 years, and member of Pierre Elk’s Lodge No.1953 for most of his adult life. Glenn served on the board of Volunteers of America-Dakotas, chaired the River Park Foundation and was on the advisory board for the Avera Health Addiction Care Center.
Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister Margaret, brother William, sister Ruby Jorgenson Heppe and an infant daughter, Jerrie Jorgenson.
In addition to his wife, Phyllis Anderson Jorgenson, Glenn is survived by his three daughters: Jennifer (Thomas) Burns of Lincoln, Neb.; Julieanne (Mark) Rilling of Pierre; and Ellen (Jack) Cann of St. Paul, Minn. Glenn leaves six grandchildren: Elizabeth (Leif) Milliken of Lincoln; Kody and Selah Rilling of Pierre; Michael Cann of St. Paul; and Kathleen and Mary Cann of New York. Great grandchildren are Laurelin, Thomas and Charles Glenn Milliken of Lincoln. Glenn also leaves a brother, Larry Jorgenson of Jackson, Wyo., and two sisters, Mary Ann Boeger of Gridley, Cal., and Nancy Tipton of Belle Fourche, S.D. Glenn has numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial gifts may be directed to Volunteers of America-Dakotas, Avera Health Addiction Care Center or to Emily’s Hope, 6225 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57108.
Visitation, with family present, will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 30, at Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls.
A celebration of Glenn’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 31, at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church, 4100 S. Bahnson Ave., Sioux Falls. A luncheon will be held at Minnehaha Country Club, 3101 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, immediately following the service. All are welcome.
Burial and a graveside service, open to friends and family, will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2, Riverside Cemetery, Pierre, S.D.
For the protection of all, the family prefers that guests wear masks when practical.
Funeral Service
Saturday, July 31, 2021
10:30 AM
Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church
4100 South Bahnson Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Burial and a graveside service, open to friends and family, will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2, Riverside Cemetery, Pierre, S.D.