Paul E. Jurgens

Paul E. Jurgens, D.D.S., M.S.D.

DECATUR, IL - Paul E. Jurgens, D.D.S., M.S.D., 85, peacefully passed away at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Private family services will be conducted at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rock Springs Foundation, the Salvation Army, Westminster Presbyterian Church, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Paul was born in Petersburg, Ill., on Dec. 8, 1927, the son of Emmett and Dora (Hinrichs) Jurgens.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Jane (Petefish) Jurgens. They were married at the Petefish homestead, currently the Rail Golf Course, on Feb. 15, 1947.

Paul is lovingly remembered by children: Paul R. Jurgens (Theresa Spain) of Decatur, Dr. Alan (wife, Debbie Benton) Jurgens of Decatur, Barbara Jurgens of Chicago and Mary Lou (Greg) Nichols of Morton; his grandchildren: David Jurgens, Katie (Ben) Bishop, Joel Backs of Morton, and Janie Backs of Morton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dr. Emmett Jurgens.

He graduated from Springfield High School in 1945. After briefly attending the University of Illinois, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. After WWII, he attended Springfield Junior College and was then accepted at Washington University in St. Louis where earned his D.D.S. He then continued with a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery and earned a Masters degree in oral pathology at the University of Minnesota. In 1955, he and his brother, Emmett, opened their oral surgery practice in Decatur, where he practiced for fifty years until his retirement in 2005.

He was very active in many civic organizations such as the Mt. Zion School Board, president of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, noon Kiwanis Club, and was a trustee of Rock Springs and Macon County Conservation District. He was one of the original Board of Directors of the Delta Dental of Illinois Insurance Company. He was active in, and belonged to, various oral surgery organizations: American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Illinois Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Association and Decatur District Dental Society. He was also a diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and served as an examiner for the Board.

He taught advanced life support through the Red Cross and the American Heart Association. He was very active in the Republican Party, and was a Ronald Reagan delegate for the 1976, 1980, and 1984 Republican Conventions. He ran for U.S. Congress twice. He was also a past elder for Westminster Presbyterian Church.

He loved spending time with his family and friends, hunting and fishing, traveling, and, in his earlier life, playing the saxophone in dance bands. His leadership and sense of humor will be missed by many.

A special thank you to the Decatur Memorial Home Health nurses as well as Dr. Fritz and his staff for all of their assistance through this difficult time.

Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com.