Gregory (Greg) L. Jurgenson Obituary (1952

GREGORY L. JURGENSON Atlanta, IL- Gregory (Greg) L. Jurgenson, 69, joined his Savior on August 27, 2021, at his home, surrounded by family and friends. Greg was born on July 19, 1952, in Fairmont, Minnesota to Robert and Marjorie (Cowing) Jurgenson. He married Carla Conrady Alberts on May 24, 2003, in Lincoln, Illinois. She survives him. Also surviving are Ryan (Lyndi) Alberts of Atlanta; Alissa (Rob) Smith of Elkhart; mother, Marjorie Jurgenson of St. Louis; brother, Bradley (Sandy) Jurgenson of St. Louis. Grandchildren: Danielle and Remington Alberts; Landon and Olivia Smith. Niece: Jenni Jurgenson; Nephew: Drew Jurgenson. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Jurgenson, in-laws, Wayne and Lois Conrady and Elaine Conrady. Greg graduated from Thornridge High School, Dolton, Illinois in 1970 and moved to St. Louis with his parents where he attended University of Missouri-St. Louis. He majored in Social Studies and English, graduating with a BS in Education. For 7 years, Greg taught at Flossmoor District # 161. He was active in the Flossmoor Education Association/IEA in which he served as President. Greg being a strong advocate for the members in his local, enjoyed representing them in contract negotiations and protecting their rights. When the opportunity to work as an organizer with the IEA/NEA presented itself, he seized the opportunity. For 33 years, Greg worked for the Illinois Education Association representing school employees in contract negotiations and protecting their working conditions. In addition, Greg served as the President of the Illinois Education Staff Organization (IEASO). Through the National Staff Organization (NSO), Greg had the opportunity to assist other state staff unions in negotiations with their respective member unions. On their behalf, Greg negotiated for Staff in Alaska, Louisiana, Washington DC, and Mississippi. Greg and his wife, Carla retired on June 30, 2016. For the last 18 years, Greg raised Black Angus cattle with his wife, Carla, and son, Ryan. As such, Greg was a member of the Central Illinois Angus Association, Illinois Angus Association and American Angus Association. He especially enjoyed watching the cattle being exhibited by his nephew, Cody, grandson, Landon, and granddaughter Dani at local, state, regional and national shows. Greg was a member of St. John UCC in Lincoln. He served as a member, elder, and President of the Church Council. Following retirement, Greg's favorite pastime was to follow his grandchildren in school and sports activities and livestock shows. He enjoyed nothing more than to hear the name, PaPa or Grandpa. Greg was a wonderful and loving husband, stepfather and grandparent. His humor, storytelling and command of trivia will be missed by many. Memorials may be made to Susan G Komen-Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of Alissa Smith. Visitation will be held at St. John UCC, 204 7th Street, Lincoln, IL, Friday September 3, 2021 from 4:00- 6:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the church with visitation from 9:00-9:45, prior to service. Interment will follow at Hartsburg Union Cemetery.