P. Rudolph Eugene Jorgenson came to the United States with his parents in 1885 from Oslo, Norway. The 2½ week ocean trip was a real experience for the lad of 7 years. Rudy was a favorite of the cooks on the ship. He would sing little Norwegian songs and dance a jig, and they would give him raisins. He remembered fog horns blasting as they landed at Staten Island. The weary travelers were happy to see the Statue of Liberty, but then came customs and New York. Everyone was numbered and herded like cattle into the trains.
Grandfather John Jorgenson and Grandma Otelia could only speak Norwegian; however, they learned English quickly with the help of a dictionary. They settled in South Dakota around Aberdeen and farmed. Rudolph was the oldest of six boys, and he had twin sisters, Marie and Annie. Albert Jorgenson of Lemmon, South Dakota is the only living member of the family.
Rudolph Jorgenson came to Valley City in 1902. He was a brick layer and helped build the Post Office in Valley City. On May 28, 1908 he married Ida Johnson, daughter of Sawn J. Johnson, who was manager of the Mark Paine Lumber Company. They had five children; Rudy Jr., Harold, and Richard, who are deceased, and Irene (Mrs. Tony Vandrovec) and Myrtle (Mrs. E. H. Schaper) of St. Louis, Missouri. Richard, Irene and Myrtle attended Valley City schools. Richard also distinguished himself in the service of his country during World War II. Until his death on August 27, 1939, "Smiling Rudy'' worked for Municipal Utilities, reading meters, and worked on the street lighting system for 25 years. Ida Jorgenson died on April 6, 1971 at the age of 88.
Tony Vandrovec married Irene Jorgenson on September 18, 1937 in Valley City; They have 8 children and 4 grandchildren. Tony owned and operated the Valley City Dry Cleaners for 25 of his 30 years in the dry cleaning business. He attended Valley City State College and the National Institute of Dryers and Cleaners in Washington, D.C. Tony retired from the cleaning business in July, 1966 to devote his time to property management and his many hobbies. His orchard and garden, specialty cooking, and exotic plant growing were well known in the area. Tony was active in the Elks (Past Exalted Ruler in 1947) and organized the St. Kates Athletic Board and served as president for 4 years. Tony died on October 10, 1973, at age 59.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 118