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Michael Jurca Obituary
Michael was the beloved husband of Patricia and a devoted father to Robert Reed (Gina) and Jennifer Crane. He was a proud grandfather to Joseph Grose, Jessica Rosenbaum, Cody Reed, Anjellica Reed, Gareth Elliott, and Hunter Babcock. Michael is also survived by his dear sisters, Janice Benkert and Marsha Wright.
A graduate of GMI (General Motors Institute), Michael enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the automotive industry. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he cherished time spent with his family and found joy in hunting.
Michael's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May his legacy bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Stan Lawrence
January 23, 2025
I came to know Mike Jurca when I was a design engineer at GM truck responsible for exterior body side moldings. Mike was a contact engineer for PTI, the company that supplied our moldings. We became friends when he invited Paula and I to join him and Trisha to go to a play. That turned into a friendship that has lasted for years. Actually, I had previously had classes with Mike at General Motors Institute in the early 1960s, but I didn´t really get to know him then. During that time, Mike was at Fisher Body and I was at Chevrolet Engineering during our work sections.
Paula and I were Inspired by Mike´s use of animal mounts in decorating their house. We added several mounts and a stuffed coyote to our great room after seeing what Mike and Trish had done.
We miss our time, playing euchre and socializing with him and Trish as time goes on.
Stan Lawrence
Jennifer Crane
January 17, 2025
My first memory of Mike is when he took us to the circus. I remember this because it had a big impact on me; I had never been to one before. He was really fun! Also, I remember being shy and sitting behind a recliner afterward at home because he was sitting in it. I kept jumping up and playing with his hair. He had a bit of a comb-over back then! We joked it was his bridge. He definitely was the kind of person who encouraged you to be yourself, try new things and showed you new or creative things. We took road trips across the country, and in this picture, we were all at Disney World in Florida. He took us to try all kinds of food. We once ate in a restaurant on the floor at Trapper's Alley. It was really good Ethiopian food! He always said he was a food connoisseur! He joked with us as he did with his sisters. I remember the glass eye, too! He helped me with my diabetes. He always found a new way to make things easier for me and my mom. He was a father and grandfather to my children. They don't make men like him anymore. I will forever be grateful for him. He made all of our lives better. I hope we did that for him as well.
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Marsha Elyn Wright
January 16, 2025
Being 10 years older than I am, my "big" brother Michael was the greatest teacher for his "Stinky" little sister. He taught me to ski. He bought me my first powder-blue ski outfit for Christmas and took me to Alpine Valley. He never scolded or got frustrated with my falls, but encouraged me to keep trying. Michael taught me to lighten up about life. Be silly! (I was a serious teen.) He had this weird plastic eye piece that looked like an enlarged eyeball. He'd put it on, squint and peer around a corner when I'd walk by. I'd jump and we'd laugh! Many times, he'd lay on his back, scrunch up his knees, and have me lay on top his spring-loaded legs. He'd fling me across the living room. We couldn't stop laughing. I learned from Michael that "play" is an important part in life, no matter how old we are. (The flinging gig stopped when Michael flung me once too far and I lost my breath. Boy, did he get in trouble from Dad.)
One of my fondest childhood memories of Michael is when he took me for rides in his hydroplane across Strawberry Lake. I'd sit in front of him as we zoomed so fast that my eyes teared. I wasn't scared. I knew my "big" brother would protect me. Whap! Whap! Whap! I can still hear us racing across the waves.
Michael was the best of "big" brothers. He protected me, encouraged me, and told me he loved me (every time we talked). He taught me that I could do anything and be anyone. He gave and gave and gave of himself to those he loved. What I wouldn't give to hear him call me "Stinky" once more.
Jessica Rosenbaum
January 14, 2025
When I was little and feeling upset that my father walked out of my life. He stepped up when he didn't have to. He took me to daddy-daughter dances, something I thought I couldn't do. He showed me all different kinds of food. Even the strangest ones that people don't normally think to eat. This made me want to try every new and strange food at least once. We would build car models together. Making me realize how much I love to build and put things together. He's shown me so much that I'm very grateful for. I couldn't have asked for a better grandfather I will always be thinking of him whenever I try new things.
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