Larene E. "Renie" Jurgena

LaRene “Renie” Ellen Jurgena, a resident of Fairbury, died at the age of 77 years on April 11, 2015. She spent her last week on this earth surrounded by the people she loved and who loved her. As was her way, Renie waited until everyone had left and Darrel, Shana and Tony dozed off to quietly slip away to be with Jesus.

Renie spent most of her growing up years on a ranch in the Sand Hills, as the second oldest of 9 siblings. She loved her life there and talked about riding horseback to her one room school house in the country. It was a struggle for her when her parents needed to move the family from the country to the “big city” of Ogallala, NE, where she spent her last few years of high school. After high school, Renie attended college at the Grace Bible Institute, where she continued to nurture her relationship with the Lord.

The next several years are a blur, because it wasn’t until she neared 40 years that the real fun for her began. In 1972, she met the love of her life, Darrel Jurgena. They married on a blizzardy day on January 7, 1977 and adopted an ADORABLE 7-year-old girl exactly six months later. Darrel, Renie and Shana became a little family of three on July 7, 1977 and were blessed to have the next 38 years together. Along the way, they picked up a few others too special not to mention: Shana’s husband Tony, who Renie could not have loved more, and, her two beloved grandchildren, Kole and Dillon.

Anyone who knew Renie knows beyond question how devoted she was to these 5 people. She loved them “to the moon and back,” as she liked to say. This past week, Darrel has said many times, “Renie and I were retired together for 24 years. We got to spend 24 years just playing together!” Their version of playing included lots of camping trips, several winters spent camping in South Padre Island in Texas, 100’s of card games with a close group of friends, many delicious fish fries, numerous Branson Missouri type shows, lots of shopping together, and attending various church events. Renie will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. She had a special gift for living quietly, while loving deep. She was a wife, a mother, a best friend, a sister, and a child of God. We know she celebrates in eternity now, with healthy lungs that breath deep. Thank you for being so good to us, Mom. We will miss you every day!

Renie is survived by her husband, Darrel. Her daughter, Shana. Son-in-law, Tony. Grandchildren, Kole and Dillon. Siblings: Jan, Joyce, Patty, Gary, Joe, Tony and Karen. Countless nieces, nephews and friends.

She will be joyfully welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Cecil and Katie, and her siblings: Bill, Myrna Mae and Leonard.

Services will be Friday April 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Fairbury with Pastor Gail Cross & Pastor Rich Adrian officiating. Burial will be in Fairbury Cemetery with Memorials to the church. The family will greet friends at the Funeral Home Thursday April 16th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.