Retired Master Chief Weapons Tech in U.S. Navy and 1955 Chevy enthusiast, Arnold “Swede” K. Jorgensen, age 75, of Tomahawk, passed away at his home so he could be close to his wife on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, under the care of family and Aspirus Hospice. Swede was born in Wausau, Wis., on Aug. 15, 1950, to the late Joseph A. and Eulene L. (Thompson) Jorgensen Sr. He married Laurie J. Gallenbeck on Dec. 27, 1989, who passed less than one week later.
Swede joined the U.S. Navy on Dec. 13, 1968, and served his country proudly for 20 years, 9 months, 17 days. He was a Master Training Specialist, certified NRA Marksmanship Instructor, was recognized as the first anti-terrorism instructor for the Pacific Fleet, developed course instruction curriculum for Shipboard Security Combat, and was commended for invention of game designed to teach principles of ordinance maintenance that was publicized in All Hands, the official magazine of the U.S. Navy. Swede and his family moved 13 times in his distinguished 22 years and served two tours in Vietnam. He focused on submarines and oversaw nuclear weapons during his military career. Swede retired on Aug. 31, 1989, in Washington State.
He met his wife, Laurie, in Washington State and were married in Flint, Mich., where the two families blended. The family looked forward to the next phase of their life in Tomahawk, where Swede grew up.
Swede started the first annual Main Street Memories Car Show in 1995 in Tomahawk while he was the president of the Northwoods Cruisers Car Club. The car shows not only helped promote the City of Tomahawk, but brought car enthusiasts together showcasing their passions. His experience with car clubs started when he lived in San Diego, Calif., where he served as president of the International Classic Chevy Club San Diego Chapter.
Swede entered the civilian workforce and retired from the City of Tomahawk Public Works Department in 2015 after a 20-year career with them. He was well known by the community and his generous nature to others. Swede’s intention after retirement with the city was developing a museum to the 1955 Chevy and opening his own custom hot rod chop shop called Outlaw Classics. Although the hot rod shop did not come to fruition, the museum did.
Swede’s passion for the 1955 Chevy started with his grandmother giving him his first ride in one when he was young and it left a lasting impression. Swede turned his lifelong collection of ‘55 Chevy memorabilia into a private museum called Chevrolet Wonderland. Swede was known for sharing his passion with the public while wearing his flamed suspenders and ‘55 Chevy Hat during the annual Main Street Memories Car Show events and holding private tours to individuals, car clubs, and organizations. Swede believed it to be the only free museum in the world solely dedicated to the 1955 Chevy. Swede’s first piece was a model ’55 Chevy he received when he was 12. The collection included his daughter’s photography, models, material used to promote the vehicle when it first rolled off the assembly line and everything in between. Swede professed in the interview for the May 2015 Tomahawk Leader article about his museum, “Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. I get to play with toys.”
Survivors include his children, Dawn (Troy) Franson, of Tomahawk, Arnold “AJ” (Tamy) Jorgensen, of Sugar Camp, Wis., Kerri Gallenbeck, of Flint, Mich., and Shannon Gallenbeck (Don Gleason), of Boone, Iowa; his brothers, Joseph “Joey” (Carole) Jorgensen, of Harshaw, Wis., Dave (Dorthy “Sis”) Jorgensen, of Tomahawk, and George “Jigs” (Carol) Jorgensen, of Tomahawk. Swede is further survived by his grandchildren, Harley Jogensen, Samantha Jorgensen, and Kevin Brunner; and his nieces/nephews, Shelly Cole, Stacey Plamann, Joe “HoJo” Jorgensen, Ryan Jorgensen, and Jamie Jorgensen.
Swede was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph “Slim” and Eulene “Lou”; and his nephew, Jeff Jorgensen.
A combined celebration of life for both Swede and Laurie will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at Generations Funeral Home, at 11 a.m. Rev. Larry Mathein will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow at Tomahawk’s VFW Post 2687.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Swede’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.
