Paul Detleff Jorgensen

Our wonderful and fantastic husband, father and grandfather, Paul Detleff Jorgensen, 70, of Centennial, Colorado, passed away September 26, 2023. He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on November 18, 1952, to John Detleff Jorgensen and Margaret Pearl Bramwell Jorgensen. Paul was a man proud of his Danish heritage and often commented about being an only son of an only son. The legacy continued with Paul's only son, Nathan, who now has three sons.

Paul spent the majority of his life growing up in Idaho Falls, Idaho and a short time in Belle Fourche, South Dakota while his father worked for U & I Sugar Company.  Paul was educated in the public schools of Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1971. He attended University of Idaho for two years and initially pursued a degree in chemical engineering and pivoted in 1973 and transferred to Idaho State University. He graduated in 1977 with a double major in Accounting and Finance. 

Paul met Cindi Bass in a high school French class his senior year. He claims he knew she was the one and after dating for four years, they were married August 9, 1975. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS temple for time and eternity on March 22, 1986. Paul worked as an accountant and financial analyst for Ralston Purina after graduation and then Freeport Gold. The company was bought several times over and then became AngloGold Ashanti, North America. He worked in the mining industry for nearly 35 years. He retired in 2016 and enjoyed being home with his wife and creating meaningful, fun moments and memories with family.

Paul’s career in mining entailed transfers and frequent moves for the family. First it was to Elko, Nevada in 1981, Sparks, Nevada, 1988, Littleton, Colorado, 1991, back to Elko, Nevada in 1996. Paul and Cindi and his family made one last move to Centennial, Colorado in 2000; the longest stint in his career. All of his children and grandchildren now reside in Colorado. Paul was grateful to provide for his family while Cindi was able to be at home and be with their four children while they were young before returning to work. Paul enjoyed gardening, coaching, lively and challenging discussions on politics, watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting games, and taking the family on summer vacations to ensure that his children were raised to be well-rounded individuals.

Paul was a season ticket holder of the Denver Nuggets for 20 plus years and ecstatic to celebrate their NBA Championship win this past summer. He enjoyed sharing his love of basketball and took his children and grandchildren to the games when Cindi would give up her seat for family and friends to attend. Paul's biggest joy came from spending time with family and providing counsel to his loved ones through word and deed. He was a man of honor, was honest in his dealings, and a stalwart example to his family. He relished home and time spent there with Cindi, family, and friends.

Paul was a strong supporter of organ donation after receiving a kidney donation in March 2019 due to the effects of PKD, polycystic kidney disease. While his passing at home precluded organ donation, he was able to fulfill alternative wishes through Donor Alliance Organ and Tissue Donation of Denver.

Paul is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cynthia Ann Bass Jorgensen; their children, Nathan Paul Jorgensen (wife Amber Colton), Kristen Marie Jorgensen, Hanah Aliese Jorgensen (husband Eric Knabenbauer), and Aislinn Jorgensen (husband Carlton Walls); grandchildren, Connor Nathan Jorgensen, Mathew Colton Jorgensen, Parker Detleff Jorgensen, Emma Chiara Grace Stallings; and his sister Diane Viola Jorgensen (husband Mark Barteau), niece Katherine Barteau (husband Jason Kawasaki and son Lucas) and nephew Alex Barteau (wife Caitlin Samuel). Paul was preceded in death by both his parents, John and Pearl Jorgensen.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 12:30-1:30pm, at Horan & McConaty, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., Aurora, Colorado 80014 

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 2:30pm, at Fairmount Cemetery, 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO  80247. (Please enter the Cemetery through the North gate off Alameda, and gather at Staging area "A" at 2:15pm)