"I am so sad to hear about this. I met Chelsea at daycare and she was always so kind and sweet. She loves children and we are grateful to have known her. "
In loving memory of
Chelsea Jorgensen
January 4, 1993 - October 5, 2025
Chelsea Ann Jorgensen, 32, of Ames, IA, passed away on October 5, 2025, at Mary Greeley Medical Center, one week after open-heart valve replacement surgery.
Visitation will take place at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Ames, IA from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 9th, followed by a dinner at 6 p.m. and a funeral Mass at 7 p.m. Please feel free to wear Iowa State Cyclone apparel as Chelsea loved cheering for the Cyclones. Burial will take place in Lanesboro, IA, on Friday, October 10th, at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Cecilia Elementary School or Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County.
Click here to watch the livestream of Chelsea's funeral Mass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WMDSzphdgQ
Chelsea was born January 4, 1993, to Jeff and Cindy (Winter) Jorgensen in Ames, IA. She attended St. Cecilia Elementary School, Ames Middle School, and graduated from Ames High School in 2011. Chelsea earned an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from DMACC, and her lifetime vocation was providing love and care for infants and small children in childcare. Most recently, she cared for infants at LilyPad Learning Center in Ames, where she shared her calm, patient spirit and gentle heart with many families.
Chelsea was a gentle and thoughtful soul whose kindness touched everyone she met. She found joy in classic Disney movies, cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, and spending time with her beloved cat, Mouse. Chelsea treasured the bond she shared with her family and close friends and was always there when someone needed her. She never hesitated to say yes, whether lending a helping hand, offering a listening ear, or joining in on a spontaneous outing. Chelsea was the perfect shopping companion, especially with her love for shoes, purses, and cell phone cases.
One of the greatest joys in Chelsea's life was being an aunt to her niece, Charley. She adored her and loved spending time with her. Chelsea always loved spoiling her with gifts, a heartfelt reminder of her love and the thoughtful spirit that defined her.
To know Chelsea was to experience her warmth, quiet humor, radiant smile, and the soft, steady light she carried within her. She leaves behind a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who loved her.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving parents, Jeff and Cindy Jorgensen; beloved sisters, Janelle (Matt) Naderer and Jordan Jorgensen; and her cherished niece, Charley Jo Naderer. She is also survived by her fiancé of six years, Jeff Thomas, and was a loving "bonus mom" to Cole and Wyatt. Chelsea also leaves behind her maternal grandmother, JoAnn Samuelson; godparents, Maria del Carmen Flores and Daryl Winter; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Chelsea was preceded in death by her grandfather, Dwight Winter and grandfather, Ross Samuelson; grandparents, Don and Dorothy Jorgensen, and Darrell and Mary Heuton; as well as her uncle, Randy Winter, and aunt, Darlene Holm.
Chelsea's gentle heart and beautiful soul will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who were blessed to know and love her.
If anyone would like to make a gift in honor of Chelsea, they can do so using the link below. There's a section on the donation form labeled "Tribute or In Memory Of" where Chelsea's name can be included:
Make a Gift in Honor of Chelsea: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/boys-and-girls-clubs-of-story-county/formula-for-impact
Tributes
"Hi Chelsea it?s braylee I really miss you and I loved it when we could go to Starbucks and get a cake pop and a drink I also loved it when you would watch the Iowa state games with me??????"
"Remembering Chelsea as a child at St. Cecilia's. So sweet, quiet and caring. We always watched her Facebook posts and could see her love of life; family and friends. We can't imagine what you are going through. My grandmother wrote a poem when my little brother died. the poem was "God Needed an Angel in Heaven" - He now has another one, Chelsea. Love Lynn and Terry Franco"
"Jeff, Cindy, Janelle, and Jordan, Our hearts go out to all of you during this difficult time. We wish you the strength and comfort as you navigate the days ahead. Chelsea was such a wonderful girl who brought smile to everyone around her-a true gift from the good Lord. Know that she is now in His care, still sharing that beautiful light and joy. We love you all and are here for you whenever you need us. With live and sympathy, Tad and Tami"
"Dear Jeff, Cindy, Janelle, Jordan, Jeff and other family members:
Once again, my sincere sympathy to all of you at the sudden death of Chelsea. May Jesus the Good Shepherd cradle her in his arms. May this same Jesus shower you with the gift of his consolotion and healing peace.
Father Jim"
"Chelsea was a special girl born into a special family .Lucky to have known her. Praying for her family at this hardest of times ."
"I am praying for all of you. Chelsea has always been a special soul. I loved getting to know her when she was a child, and then getting to see how happy and settled she seemed to be as an adult. I am heartsick for everyone who loved her."
"Thinking of you all during this extremely difficult time. My heart is broken, as I know yours is as well. Praying you find peace and are comforted by memories of Chelsea as each day passes, and as you navigate the road ahead.?? "
"Sending love, healing, and strength to Chelsea?s family. She was truly a kind soul with a gentle spirit."