John Jurkovich, 97

JOHN JURKOVICH  1926-2024

John was born July 29, 1926, in Wallace, Idaho, to Mate (Matt) and Mary Jurkovich. The family made their home in Osburn, Idaho, where John attended grade school. He graduated from Wallace High School in 1944 and later attended the University of Idaho.

John married the “love of his life,” Bernadine Brosz, on July 16, 1950, at the American Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Osburn, where they raised four children. John was employed at Sunshine Mining Company for 17 years. He then went to work for Bitco/Kaman Bearing for 24 years, retiring as branch manager in 1988. John was on the YMCA board for several years and spent nine years on the Wallace School Board.

As a young man, John loved stream fishing, elk and deer hunting and camping in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho. In 1977, John and Bernadine purchased a lakefront lot in Carlin Bay on Lake Cd'A. They built a summer cabin that became a favorite place for the family to gather for the next 30 years. John and Bernadine spent summers fishing for kokanee on Lake Cd'A. John also enjoyed ice fishing in the winter with his fishing buddies.

John and Bernie were active members of Christ The King Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene.

John is preceded in death by both parents, brother Larry and wife Bernadine (2020). He is survived by brother-in-law Murdo (Toni) Cameron, son Larry (Ruth), Grangeville, daughter Gayle (Rolly) Woolsey, Boise, son John Cory (Susan), Rathdrum, daughter Jennifer (Ben) Tuttle, Hayden, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

John was cared for by Morning Star of Boise and by Keystone Hospice at the time of his passing. We would like to thank these wonderful caregivers for their love and care for Dad in his last years.

A memorial service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d'Alene, on March 1 at 1 pm. 

Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home.  Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.