Glenn Jorgenson
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South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee Glenn Leroy Jorgenson, 91, who with his wife Phyllis helped to save and transform hundreds of lives through River Park alcohol and drug treatment programs in South Dakota, died peacefully Friday, July 23, 2021, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, S.D. Phyllis was at his side, as she's been throughout their 70-year marriage.
River Park, with facilities in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls, and outreach offices, was South Dakota's first non-profit, privately funded treatment center for addiction. As a recovering addict and alcoholic, Glenn maintained his sobriety for 18,765 days and taught that drug addiction is a disease ? not a human failing or character flaw. Glenn led a movement to change societal attitudes toward addiction, to correct misinformation and to eliminate the shame and stigma often unfairly attached to addiction. Glenn was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 1996. He was recognized for his contributions to the betterment of his home state. Further information can be found at www.It'sGreatToBeAliveBook.com
Memorial gifts may be directed to Volunteers of America-Dakotas, Avera Health Addiction Care Center or to Emily's Hope, 6225 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57108. Visitation, with family present, will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 30, at Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls. A celebration of Glenn's life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 31, at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church, 4100 S. Bahnson Ave., Sioux Falls. A luncheon will be held at Minnehaha Country Club, 3101 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, immediately following the service. All are welcome. Burial and a graveside service, open to friends and family, will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2, Riverside Cemetery, Pierre, S.D. For the protection of all, the family prefers that guests wear masks. www.heritagesfsd.com