Virgil Vernon Jurek

Jurek, Virgil Vernon, Age 91, of White Bear Lake, died on April 6th, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Gertrude Jurek; sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Norman Brunn; brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Lynn Jurek; infant brother Roland; grandson Aaron Jurek. Survived by loving wife of 64 years, Gayl; daughter Kathleen (Terence) Posterick; sons Robert (Glenda) Jurek, and John (Jean) Jurek; grandchildren Sara (Jamie) Morgan, Alex (Hannah) Posterick, Jeffrey (Jessica) Posterick, Rianna Jurek, Tanner Jurek, and Cole Jurek; great-grandson, Gunnar Morgan; sisters Yvonne (Tom) Lynch; Mary Jo (Bob) Baker; Sandra (Dale) Anderson; many nieces and nephews. Born January 14, 1933, in Palmer Township, MN to Frank and Gertrude Jurek. Graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, MN. Attended Gale Institute of Technology (1951) where he obtained his Railroad Telegraphy education. US Army Veteran, served from 1955 to 1957. Worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for over 40 years, holding a variety of positions within the BNSF and retiring in 1992 as Director of Operating Rules & Practices. Virgil and Gayl met through a group of friends. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on October 10, 1959, at St. Andrews Catholic Church, St. Paul, MN. Virgil loved fishing with his kids and grandkids, especially ice fishing with his brother Jerry and brother-in-law Norman Brunn. He enjoyed golfing with Gayl and his friends. He enjoyed his time away from work and looked forward to family vacations up North and weekend trips with friends (especially the JORB group!). Virgil was a 20-year survivor of pancreatic cancer! While vacationing in Florida with Gayl in 2004, she noticed symptoms which concerned them both. Virgil was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had Whipple surgery that March. Virgil took great pride in inspiring and mentoring others who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His doctors referred to him as a "miracle man", while his family referred to him as the "Energizer Bunny", as he kept going and going and going. Virgil credited his deep faith in God and prayer along with his deep appreciation of the excellent care provided by his wife Gayl and his daughter Kathy for his miraculous recovery. Mass of Christian Burial 11am Saturday, April 13, at the Church of St. Genevieve Parish Community Center, 6995 Centerville Road, Centerville, MN 55038. Visitation one hour prior to Mass. Interment St. Joseph of the Lakes, Lino Lakes, MN.

Tributes

Virgil Vernon Jurek

January 14, 1933 - April 6, 2024

Tributes

Virgil Vernon Jurek

January 14, 1933 - April 6, 2024

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