Marla Joy Jorgensen, age 69, left this earthly life on Thursday, October 21, 2021, surrounded by her family at the Cloud County Health Center, Concordia, Kansas. She was born in Belleville, Kan., on March 23, 1952, to Edgar Lee & Wanda Lee (Cline) Kalivoda.
Marla graduated as a co-valedictorian from Concordia High School in 1970. She later graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering and a master’s degree in accounting in 1981. Her career as an accounting manager and business controller for Conoco Philips took her to many places around the globe including London, Australia, Alaska and Indonesia, to name a few.
She returned to Concordia upon her retirement from Conoco and proceeded to open and operate Marla’s Joy Tea House and later, Common Ground Coffee House. She was an active member of the Living Hope Foursquare Church and was a member of the Concordia Rotary Club.
She married her Concordia high school classmate Lee Gale on Aug. 12, 2017.
Many of those who know Marla would use words to describe her such as: Intelligent, Exploring, Curious, Community, Giving, Dedicated, Entrepreneurial, Strong-willed, Survivor, Creative/crafty & Trusting.
She is survived by her husband, Lee Gale, Concordia; sons, James Jorgensen (Natalie), Houston, Texas, & Keith Jorgensen, Houston, Texas; sister, Anita Ricablanca (Dennis), San Diego, Calif.; brother, Lee Kalivoda (Elaine), Maple Grove, Minn., & grandchildren, Kaleb, Noel, Isaac, Levi & Joy.
Marla was preceded in death by her parents.
It was Marla’s wishes to be cremated and a memorial graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, October 25, 2021, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia, with Pastor Dwight Whitead officiating. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia. The family suggests memorials to the Cloud County Community College Athletic Department in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
