Melvin Arthur "Mel" Jurgens
Marriages
Bonnie "Jo" - 1951
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 8A Obit - July 13, 2011
Melvin A. "Mel" Jurgens of
Grand Junction left us for his next
journey on July 8, 2011 from the
comfort of his home. His family
was by his side. Mel was 83 years
of age.
He was preceded in death by his
wife, Bonnie "Jo"; his parents,
Claus and Eva Jurgens; two
brothers, Robert "Rob" and Eugene
"Yukor", and three aunts,
Tina, Clara, and Margret.
Mel grew up in Arthur, IL. He
joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 and
served for three years. Upon his
return he met Bonnie. The two
wed in 1951 and spent the next 56
years inseparable. They were
residents of Grand Junction, CO
since 1998.
Mel's career spans decades. He
imparted knowledge and great influence
to all who knew him. Mel
began working at the stockyards
in Chicago and then moved to FS Feed Mill in Mendota, IL. He
continued to work as a sales manager and became general manager
of DeKalb Feed in DeKalb, IL. He was eventually given the opportunity
to purchase and co-own the business from Mr. Herman Cortelleau,
whom he held in highest regard. Also, having served on the
Chicago Boards of Trade, Mel went on to become a commodity
broker and founded Jurgens Commodities, Inc. The year 1972
brought more business opportunities to Mel, when he purchased
Taylor Fence Co. in Pueblo, CO and then opened a second office in
Grand Junction, CO in 1983.
Mel was a member of Rotary International for 50 years and a
member of the Lions Club for numerous years. One of his passions
was being a private pilot, which he began doing when he was 18
years old. He flew his last flight at 82 years old. Mel was also an
avid golfer.
Many who have known Mel would tell you he was devoted to his
family, but he was also a kind hearted, generous, faithful, and ethical
man. Although he loved to tell jokes, he could never hit the
punch line. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mel's survivors include two children, Todd Jurgens of Grand Junction,
and Heather Worthinger of Westminster, CO; six grandchildren,
Rachel, Chelsea, Brennan, Elizabeth, Christopher, and Aspen,
and four great-grandchildren.
The family would sincerely like to thank Hospice & Palliative Care
of Western Colorado and personal caregivers, Fran Gonseth, Candy
Mennor, Janice Whiseant, and Rachel Jurgens (granddaughter).
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 1:00
p.m. at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary with inurnment following in Palisade
Cemetery.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5B Obit - July 12, 2011
Melvin A. "Mel" Jurgens of
Grand Junction left us for his next
journey on July 8, 2011 from the
comfort of his home. His family
was by his side. Mel was 83 years
of age.
He was preceded in death by his
wife, Bonnie "Jo"; his parents,
Claus and Eva Jurgens; two
brothers, Robert "Rob" and Eugene
"Yukor", and three aunts,
Tina, Clara, and Margret.
Mel grew up in Arthur, IL. He
joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 and
served for three years. Upon his
return he met Bonnie. The two
wed in 1951 and spent the next 56
years inseparable. They were
residents of Grand Junction, CO
since 1998.
Mel's career spans decades. He
imparted knowledge and great influence
to all who knew him. Mel
began working at the stockyards
in Chicago and then moved to FS Feed Mill in Mendota, IL. He
continued to work as a sales manager and became general manager
of DeKalb Feed in DeKalb, IL. He was eventually given the opportunity
to purchase and co-own the business from Mr. Herman Cortelleau,
whom he held in highest regard. Also, having served on the
Chicago Boards of Trade, Mel went on to become a commodity
broker and founded Jurgens Commodities, Inc. The year 1972
brought more business opportunities to Mel, when he purchased
Taylor Fence Co. in Pueblo, CO and then opened a second office in
Grand Junction, CO in 1983.
Mel was a member of Rotary International for 50 years and a
member of the Lions Club for numerous years. One of his passions
was being a private pilot, which he began doing when he was 18
years old. He flew his last flight at 82 years old. Mel was also an
avid golfer.
Many who have known Mel would tell you he was devoted to his
family, but he was also a kind hearted, generous, faithful, and ethical
man. Although he loved to tell jokes, he could never hit the
punch line. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mel's survivors include two children, Todd Jurgens of Grand Junction,
and Heather Worthinger of Westminster, CO; six grandchildren,
Rachel, Chelsea, Brennan, Elizabeth, Christopher, and Aspen,
and four great-grandchildren.
The family would sincerely like to thank Hospice & Palliative Care
of Western Colorado and personal caregivers, Fran Gonseth, Candy
Mennor, Janice Whiseant, and Rachel Jurgens (granddaughter).
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 1:00
p.m. at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary with inurnment following in Palisade
Cemetery.
