Thomas Elwood Jurgenson

Thomas Elwood Jurgenson, 70, of Willmar, was called home to his Savior Monday, February 16th at his son's home. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 pm, Thursday, February 19th at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to his service at the church. His memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Friday, February 20th at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Willmar. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar immediately following the service. Memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church or American Cancer Society.

Thomas Elwood Jurgenson was born September 8, 1955, to Donald and Luella (Wessel) Jurgenson in Fairmont. He grew up in several southern Minnesota communities, including Comfrey, Garden City, and Vernon Center. After the death of his father in 1971, Tom moved with his family to Mankato, where he attended Immanuel Lutheran High School and graduated in 1973.

On February 17, 1979, Tom was united in marriage to Patricia Skudlarek at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willmar. They made their home in Willmar, where they raised their four children: Travis, William, Tamara, and Ryan.

Tom worked a variety of jobs throughout his life. He was employed at Willmar Precast, built farm equipment, worked at Bonkers, and most recently spent the past 18 years at Cash Wise.

He was baptized in 1955 and remained a devoted lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, faithfully serving as financial secretary and Elder for many years.

Tom had a deep love for Minnesota sports and especially enjoyed cheering for the Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves. He treasured traveling with close friends Jim Hagert and Maury Evans to visit 15 different baseball stadiums. Tom also had a passion for woodworking and was happiest in his workshop with sawdust in his hair, crafting beautiful furniture and projects for his home and family. A day was not complete unless it began with a crossword puzzle and a cup of coffee and included a game of Cribbage whenever possible.

Above all, Tom will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and faithful friend.

Tom is survived by his wife, Patricia; children: Travis Jurgenson of Marshall; William (Christina) Jurgenson of Willmar, Tamara (Dustin) Bohlman of Belle Plaine and Ryan Jurgenson of Minneapolis; grandchildren: Hailey and Natalie Jurgenson and Faith and Annalyse Bohlman; siblings: James (Dori) Jurgenson of Denver, IA, Phil (Jeannie) Jurgenson of Mankato, Ron (Judy) Jurgenson and Rebecca Erickson both of Winter Haven, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.