William "Willy" Jurgens

William (Willy) A. Jurgens blessed us with 71 wonderful years. He passed away peacefully on September 11th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Willy lived a life rich in joy, laughter, and cherished memories. Over the past 20 years, he fought a courageous battle, continually defying the odds with unwavering determination. Known for his quick wit, captivating stories, and never-give-up attitude, Willy also cherished his loyal friendships and the connections he made throughout his life. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. Willy was born and raised in Beatrice, Nebraska, as the youngest of four siblings. The Jurgens family later moved to Lincoln, NE, where he graduated from high school and earned his Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Throughout college, Willy took on various roles, including selling sodas and hotdogs at Husker football games and as a bouncer at the Watering Hole. After graduating, he embarked on a career in sales that spanned several decades and took him around the world. Willy eventually founded his own company, JH Willy, which has since become a family business run by his oldest daughter, Kayla, and wife, Dagmar. Bill and Dagmar were high school sweethearts meeting through a church event. They got married in 1974, celebrating their 50th anniversary in July. Throughout the years, they have taken many trips and made many memories. They started a family that grew to three kids, their amazing spouses, and five grandchildren, with the 6th on the way later this year. Being known as Papa was Willy’s greatest achievement in life. In 1981, Bill and Dagmar moved to Steamboat Springs, CO. Bill's passion for golf and his circle of friends led to the creation of the first Rag Classic in 1982. This event evolved into an annual golf tournament for 40 years, primarily hosted in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It fostered many lifelong friendships and led to the establishment of the Friends of Willy Foundation. In collaboration with the Omaha Community Foundation, it supports a range of activities and events to uplift the spirits of cancer patients and their families across the country. On April 15, 2005, Willy was diagnosed with Leukemia. Over the past 19 years, he faced multiple cancers, surgeries, and various health challenges with remarkable bravery. We are profoundly grateful to his sister, Sandy, for giving him the gift of life through a stem cell transplant. Willy's unwavering motto was 'never give up,' a principle he upheld until the end of his life. The void in our family will be impossible to fill, but knowing that he is pain-free, watching over us while enjoying a cold one, brings us all great comfort. Preceded in death by parents Heye and Irene Jurgens, sister Barbra Hawkins, and in-laws Bruni and Harry Norval. Survived by wife Dagmar Jurgens; children Kayla (Doug) Cunningham, Kelsey (Scott) Volkmer, and Kolby (Andrea) Jurgens; and grandchildren Harper, Annie, and George Cunningham, and Hallie and Vivienne Volkmer. Also survived by siblings Sandy (Ric) Strynar, Todd (Donna) Jurgens, many nieces and nephews, and numerous dear friends. Funeral services will be held at Rejoice! Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE, on September 27th at 11 am. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn, NE, from 1-3 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friends of Willy Foundation via the Omaha Community Foundation. Funeral service: Friday, September 27 11 am at Rejoice! Lutheran Church 2556 S 138th St, Omaha, NE 68144 Celebration of Life Indian Creek Golf Course Friday, September, 27 1-3 pm 3825 N 202nd St, Elkhorn, NE 68022 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friends of Willy Foundation via the Omaha Community Foundation. https://omahafoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1569

William "Willy" Jurgens

November 23, 1952 - September 11, 2024