Marlys Rae (Detrick) Jorgensen was born in Upland, Neb. on May 19, 1934 to Ralph Christian and Fern (Blickenstaff) Detrick. She died Sunday morning Jan. 18, 2026 in North Platte, attended by a host of witnesses both seen & invisible at the age of 91.

“Marty” grew up in Hastings, then attended Hastings College and Mary Lanning School of Nursing, graduating in 1956. She and Ken met in college after he served two years stateside in the U.S. Army. They married on Dec. 15, 1956. Four sons were born to their union: Victor “Vic” Todd Jorgensen, (December 1957), Randall “Randy” Scott Jorgensen (December 1960), Richard “Rick” Jon Jorgensen (November 1963), and Kevin Lee Jorgensen (August 1967).

After stints in Atchison (1959-1965) and Lawrence (1965-1974) Kansas, Marty & Ken moved back to his hometown of Curtis, where they owned Jorgensen Building Supply and Curtis Irrigation from 1974-2001.

High on the western edge of Curtis Marty and Ken built a lovely home overlooking the Medicine Valley High School. Their friends & family will long remember the big house on the hill as a favorite gathering spot, especially on Summer evenings and Christmas vacations.

She is survived by her only sibling & older brother, Neil Detrick (Donna) of Texas; sons, Randy (Allison) of Colorado, Richard (Anna) of Arizona and Kevin (Kari) of Ohio. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, and many beloved extended family.

Beloved friends & family who preceded Marty in death are too numerous to list, as she was approaching her 92 birthday. However, husband Kenneth, his brother Harvey & wife Gayle, son Vic, and grandson Todd Abraham Jorgensen all left this world prior to her.

It should be noted that our mom missed her mother’s company for the majority of her adult life- often with that distinct loneliness which accompanies the loss of one’s Mother.

Rest in Peace, Marty J. Few have been the mothers who were so excellent as you.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at Grace Community Bible Church. Odean Colonial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com

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