Glenn Jorgenson: A Dream Chaser's Legacy

South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee Glenn Leroy Jorgenson, 91, who with his wife Phyllis helped to save and transform hundreds of lives through their 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 and Glenn Jorgenson. Image courtesy of the Facebook page of Glenn Jorgenson’s biography.

Glenn was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 1996, served on its board of directors, and, with friends Larry Ritz and Richard Ekstrum, provided essential funding that prevented the closure of the South Dakota Hall of Fame in the late 1990s. Glenn was recognized for his contributions to the betterment of his home state, through public service in the administration of Gov. Nils Boe, various business enterprises, and especially, for giving hope and encouragement to those with the disease of addiction and their loved ones.

Photo courtesy of the River Park website

Without Glenn’s funding, the South Dakota Hall of Fame would not be here today, and for that, we are eternally grateful for Glenn Jorgenson. His contribution has helped us continue to uplift the legacy of so many amazing inductees who have made positive impacts on the lives of South Dakotans across the state — and that includes uplifting Glenn’s own amazing legacy. 

River Park, with facilities in Pierre, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, and outreach offices across the state, was South Dakota’s first non-profit, privately funded treatment center for addiction. The principles of Alcoholics Anonymous were at the core of the River Park philosophy.

“Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is,” said Glenn. “Treat a man as he could be, and he will become the man he could be. That’s all we’re trying to do.”

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. He was a highly principled, kind, classy, and gentle man, with a sharp mind, positive demeanor, and a sense of humor. Glenn proved that if given a second chance, people can be resilient, can overcome extreme adversity, and lead wonderful, impactful lives.

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.

Photo courtesy of the Its Great to Be Alive Facebook page

Glenn hosted and KELOLAND-TV produced the enlightening nationally-distributed series “It’s Great to be Alive,” featuring Glenn’s interviews with prominent Americans and celebrities whose lives or families were impacted by addiction. Among them: Former First Lady Betty Ford, Sen. George McGovern, Dick Van Dyke, White Eagle, Brooke Shields, and Johnny Cash. The lessons of those programs, spanning 20 years, remain relevant today. A 2019 YouTube documentary film, “The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash,” includes a riveting segment of Glenn’s interview with Cash.

Glenn’s life, struggles and achievements are detailed in a biography, “It’s Great to be Alive: Understanding Addiction and Offering Hope,” written by South Dakota journalist and River Park alumnus Terry Woster. The book is available through Amazon in paperback and for Kindle eBook.

Glenn continued to be a pillar at the South Dakota Hall of Fame, and even joined 2020 Inductee, Jack Marsh for the Virtual Medallion Ceremony, presenting Jack with his induction medallion. We will miss Glenn’s spirit and guidance, and we are honored to continue to share his legacy for generations to come. To visit Glenn’s Legacy Page, click here.