John Miller Jorgensen

John Miller Jorgensen Jr., age 74, of Nixa, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Nixa, Missouri. He was born in Richmond, Missouri to John and Cora Jorgensen. On July 18, 1992 he married Stacey Lehnen, also of Richmond. In 1999 they moved to Nixa, to be closer to their grandchildren, and enjoyed many family gatherings as they grew up. John served 4 years in the U.S. Navy and then returned to Missouri to finish his degree in education. He was employed by Richmond public schools for 26 years teaching P.E., math, and chemistry, as well as coaching golf, and track, and retired in 1997 after years of serving the district as an elementary and then, secondary, guidance counselor. John loved his Lord, Jesus Christ, and felt tremendously rewarded witnessing that legacy in his family. His ministry and love language was definitely that of service. He was hard-working, thoughtful, and generous with his time, energy and skills. He was an avid runner, competing in many 5 and 10K races over the years. He served terms on the Richmond City Council and multiple terms on the Ray Co. Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. He loved carpentry, was a jack of all trades, and blessed his family and friends doing favors. He was a great cook and loved to share, and many can attest to how his sweet tooth compelled him to perfect the art of baking. His warm spirit will be missed by many who knew him. He is survived by wife Stacey; daughter Jennifer Dale, and her spouse Chris; daughter Jeanna Golden and her spouse Jamie; step-son John Lehnen; and step-son Carl Lehnen, and his spouse, Colin Ennis; sister Judy Strickland; brother Jeff; and grandchildren Madeline Dale, Jacob Golden, Seth Dale, Sydney Golden, and Kennedy Lehnen; along with many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: father and mother, John and Cora Jorgensen; and sister, Pam Langston. On Saturday, February, 11 there will be a visitation at Stonebridge church (2129 N Bristol Ln, Nixa, Mo) beginning at 1:00. Afterwards, Pastor Mark Killingsworth will lead a celebration of John's life to begin at 2:00. A meal will be served following the service.