Larry Duane Jorgensen

Larry Duane Jorgensen, age 80, of Missoula, Montana, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Missoula. He was born on April 1, 1945, at Audubon County Hospital in Audubon, Iowa, to George and Irene Jorgensen. He was raised on an Iowa corn farm, where he developed a strong work ethic that would stay with him throughout his life. At the age of 17, he married and began building his own path.

By the age of 28, Larry had found his calling in trucking. What started as hauling loads from Iowa to Chicago and Detroit quickly grew into something bigger. In his mid-30s, he owned and operated his own business, Jorgensen and Sons Trucking, running several trucks and employing drivers in Iowa. This was one of his proudest accomplishments.

In 1985, Larry moved to Montana, where he continued his trucking operations while also driving for companies such as Scenic Transporting in Lolo. Over the years, he hauled everything from beef to propane and ammonia, continuing the work he built his life around. Known by the nickname “Ratchet,” Larry embraced life on the road. He averaged nearly 3,000 miles a week and hauled up to 85,000 pounds per trip. Over his 35-year career, he logged more than 3.5 million miles—remarkably with only one accident. He took pride in his work and often summed it up simply: “I liked what I did.”

Larry lived a life full of stories, adventure, and independence. He was known for his grit, his humor, and his love of the open road.

He is survived by his brother Doug (Cindy) Jorgensen; his sons Scott (Melody) Jorgensen, Monte (Melinda) Jorgensen, Marty (Shea) Jorgensen, and Geno Jorgensen; along with many nieces, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene Jorgensen, and his brother Steve Jorgensen.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Arlington Heights Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa. A reception will follow at the Audubon Rec Center. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is caring for the Jorgensen family, and condolences may be shared at schmidtffh.com