Lyle Alfred Jorgenson

Lyle Jorgenson, age 86, passed away while working in his shop when he was called home to join his wife, Afton, and youngest daughter, Suzanne.

He was number seven of ten boys born to Jens George Jorgenson and Mary Orr Metheny in New Main Township, Minnesota. Lyle's earliest memories include spending his first-grade school year away from the farm, living behind the town store in a one-room addition with three older brothers. Lyle always thanked his oldest brother, Roy, who was serving in the military, for sending money home to his parents to help provide food and a few necessities. 

Lyle was a four-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He trapped animals and sold hides and furs to Sears Roebuck for extra money. He also collected beer bottles for 5 cents. 

He farmed with his family before he left for the service. Lyle joined the Air Force after graduating from high school, reporting to Parks Air Force Base in 1956, stating: “that this was a sure guarantee he would know where his next meal would be coming from”. Lyle was given the nickname Swede by his Air Force buddies, this name stuck with him throughout his life. 

Lyle met a country girl, Afton Poll, from South Weber, Utah. He met her while he was stationed at Hill Air Force Base. A quick trip to the Franklin County Courthouse in Idaho, they began their life together on July 7, 1958. They were later sealed in the Ogden LDS Temple. 

After military service, Lyle, worked at Hill Air Force Base for over 30 years as manager of the Auto Hobby Shop and the government cabins in the Uintah Mountains. 

In 1980, Lyle started his own business repairing tractors. It then evolved into L and J Auto, where you could find him in his blue shirt and blue pants. He could fix any farm tractor brought to him and about any vehicle.  Lyle often made farm calls fixing his friend’s tractors. He met many friends doing inspections and emissions on vehicles. Lyle experienced a farm accident in 2000, which left him with damaged lungs, but it didn’t stop him from working in his shop, and he continued to love farming, tractors, cows, and horses. 

Lyle enjoyed breakfast every Saturday morning at O-dark thirty with his tractor buddies and his monthly luncheon with the good old boys from South Weber. 

He spent many years caring for Afton during her final years and always said he hoped he would have a quick getaway from this world, which he was awarded. 

Lyle loved supporting and watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their endeavors and accomplishments. 

He was a member of antique tractor clubs, enjoying parades and restoration of tractors; he enjoyed throwing candy and showing off his restored tractors. Lyle was a craftsman, an inventor, and an entrepreneur, having built two homes in South Weber, patented a tow bar for jeeps through the Air Force, and built many items that he later sold. He made many trips back home, visiting tractor shows and swap meets; his last trip was in 2017, when he visited his high school reunion with old friends, family, and schoolmates. 

Lyle leaves behind his daughter, Natalie (Mark) Dayton; his grandchildren, Dawn (Travis) Ashby, Amee (Stephen) Knudsen, Tami (Alton) Midzinski, Paden (Taylor) Mitchell, Wyatt (McKayli) Mitchell and Dustin (Brookell Kimose ) Mitchell; great-grandchildren, Lane, Hadley, Zan, and MaCall Ashby; Diesel, Gunner, and Titan Knudsen; River, Timber, Boulder, and Skye Midzinski; Tage and Coleson Mitchell; and Harper Mitchell; and his brothers, Albert and Morris. He was preceded in death by his wife, Afton; his daughter, Suzanne; his son-in-law, Curtis Mitchell; his parents, Jens and Mary; and brothers, Roy, Kenneth, Gaylord, Ralph, Wesley, Milton, and Einer. 

Friends may visit with family on Friday, March 8, 2024, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.