Orville \\ Jurgensen

Orville "Mike" "OJ" Jurgensen, age 84, of Elburn, passed from this life to eternal life on Monday May 7, 2012 surrounded by the love and prayers of his family at the Michealsen Health Center in Batavia. BORN: Mike was born August 25, 1927 in Mt. Vernon, South Dakota the son of John and Helena Jurgensen. In 1951 he met Mary Ann Stredde through her brother. Before long they decided to get married and on January 20, 1952 they exchanged vows. In 1953 he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he proudly served during the Korean War. During his service he completed his high school education. While Mike was serving in Korea Mary Ann moved to Aurora for work. After returning from the Army, Mike made his way to Aurora where he and Mary Ann lived for about three years, during which time their family grew and they were blessed with their daughter Brenda. They then moved to the Meredith’s Farm in Elburn for a few years before moving to Sycamore. A number of years later the family moved back to Elburn.OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Over the years Mike became a "Jack of all trades." He began as a fuel truck driver while in Aurora after returning from the Army. Mike could not pass up the one true career he was looking for when he accepted a job at Meredith’s Farm in Elburn and later Quigley’s Farm in Sycamore. While working his years as a farmer, he also worked as a school bus driver, as a local postman, for John Deere, Monitor and delivered cars for Bob Jass. He also proudly served on the Elburn Fire Department as a volunteer. MEMBERSHIPS: Mike was a member of the Elburn American Legion and a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lily Lake. LIFE NOTES: Mike was a kind and gentle man who never complained and was self sacrificing, generous and helpful to anyone he met. There was not a mean bone in his body and anyone who ever knew him, loved and adored him. Although he loved to be around all people, he especially loved his family. He was a devoted and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He always found the time to cheer Brenda on in any school events she was involved in. Mike also had a gentle wisdom that he shared with the younger generations. He always loved to watch the children play and enjoy life, and he in turn had a peaceful satisfaction in the simplicities of life. Mike had an outstanding sense of humor and was the family’s comedian finding joy in nearly everything. He also had a special place in his heart for his puppy who he often shared his popcorn with. SURVIVORS: Mike is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Mary Ann;One daughter Brenda (Scott) Bevans of Elburn;One granddaughter Alyssa;One sister Lucille (Leonard) Storm of Parkston, SD;Many nieces and nephews;And numerous close family and friends.PRECEDED:He now joins his parents.VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be held Thursday May 10, 2012 from 4-8pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral service celebrating Mike’s life will be held Friday May 11, 2012 at 10am at Grace Lutheran Church in Lily Lake with Pastor Ernst Rex officiating. Interment will follow services at Blackberry Cemetery in Elburn. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Mike’s name to benefit his favorite charities: Checks may be made to the "Orville Jurgensen Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be on Thursday May 10, 2012 at Conley Funeral Home 116 W. Pierce ST., Elburn, IL from 4-8PMA service to celebrate his life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Lily Lake,on Friday May 11, 2012 at 10:00 am with Rev. Ernst Rex pastor of the church officiating.

Interment will follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn, IL.