Johnnie (John) E. Jurgensen
Johnnie “John” Jurgensen was born September 17, 1954, in Lexington, Nebraska. He passed away on November 30, 2023, at the age of 69.
John held Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. He taught business and coached football, basketball, and track for two years at Gibbon High School and two years at McCook Senior High. From there John began a 12-year career coaching basketball at the collegiate level. He was the head coach for six years at McCook Community College, 3 years as assistant coach at Montana State University, and 3 years as assistant coach at the University of Texas-Arlington. In 1994 John and Deb moved to Lincoln which would be their home for the next 30 years. Shortly after the move, he joined Deb in the securities and insurance industry where he became a “financial coach.”
John’s passions in life were undoubtedly basketball and coaching. After John left college coaching, he volunteered as an assistant basketball coach for 12 years at Lincoln Southeast high school. He helped at Lincoln Public Schools sporting events and worked state basketball tournaments. For years, John dedicated himself to coaching youth basketball and softball/baseball for Elly and Jaydee’s teams, not only mentoring his own children, but also touching the lives of other youth.
More than anything John loved being a Dad to his Elly Jane and Budman. He was the best playmate, letting us constantly jump all over him and chasing us around the house. He was the biggest fan of his own jokes inevitably saying “I don’t care who you are, now that’s funny!”, remixing lyrics to songs which resulted in eyerolls from us kids, but all it took was one cracked smile to keep him going. He would never say no when Elly asked him to dance or when Jaydee asked him to throw batting practice. He would spend hours catching Elly and Jaydee’s pitching practice in the yard and rebounding in the driveway. He loved kids in general, and recently shared that he wanted his future grandkids to call him Coach, which we thought was perfect.
As adults, he enthusiastically wanted to make trips down to Dallas to see us, whether for a couple week stay or a single night for dinner — no trip or time with us was too small. He had genuine interest in Elly’s and Jaydee’s jobs and careers. When challenges arose from work or anything in their personal lives, he knew how to comfort them, keep life simple, and put things into perspective. He was our biggest cheerleader; we unquestionably knew how proud he was of us and how loved we were. We love you and miss you, Dad.
John’s hobbies included golfing, reading mysteries and westerns, playing Santa Claus during the Christmas season, and competing in ‘Words With Friends’. He attended two coffee groups with friends every week, mostly to rehash the sports of the week. However, he was not much of a cook.
John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Deb, and their children, Elly Jurgensen of Dallas, Texas, and Jaydee Jurgensen and fiancée Andrea Hunter of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Steve (Ledene) Clapp of Kearney, Nebraska; brother-in-law, John Clapp, of McCook, Nebraska; nephew, Kasey Clapp of Boulder, Colorado; nieces, Josette McConville (Justin) of Kearney, Nebraska; Erica Clapp of New Zealand, and Sydney Clapp of Denver CO; great-nephew Brodie McConville, and great-niece, Lexie McConville. He will be missed by his many God-Children and other close relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his father, Richard Jurgensen, his mother, Bonita Jurgensen, and brother Dennis Jurgensen.
A celebration of John’s life will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11am at Southwood Lutheran Church, 4301 Wilderness Hills Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68516. Following the service, a luncheon will be served in the church’s fellowship hall for loved ones to gather to share happy memories, crazy stories, and remember him as a loving, caring man and Father who enjoyed life and basketball.
Memorials may be given in John’s memory to McCook College Foundation in support of the men’s basketball program where he was a student-athlete and coach or to Southwood Lutheran Church.
John was an organ and tissue donor. To leave a condolence please use the form below.
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
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Condolences for Johnnie (John) E. Jurgensen
What a beautiful tribute. I am so sorry for your loss. Know he is always with you until you are reunited again. All my love!
Sorry for your loss, good bless you and your family
I’m sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed the time spent visiting with John and discussing the trends we were seeing in the market. He will be missed.
What beautifully written words. Yes, he was a wonderful husband, dad, coach and friend. Our Joe was so lucky to have him as a godfather. We’ve laughed and cried over our memories of him. Well done thou good and faithful servant John, you’re missed.
Jurgensen Family – John, your Dad, was an absolute great man and touched so many lives in a positive way! He left a great legacy with players, coaches, friends, and of course family! Thank you for sharing him with the Southeast basketball program and our coaches! I personally loved coaching with him for those 12 wonderful years, he contributed more than you know! He was a close friend and we loved going to scout or just going to games together. I will never forget his laugh, especially after he joked about something. We were blessed to have the time we had and love him and you guys dearly!
I did not have the privilege of knowing John but have been good friends with Deb since gradeschool. It is clear that this loss will be felt deeply for years to come. Deb, my heart and prayers are with you and your children.
He was always supportive when the chips were down. Someone you could depend on always. Deb, I think of you and will miss him greatly.
Deb & kids, we are so sad to hear about John, we will always remember your hospitality and good times we had in our days in McCook. Wishing you comfort and peace to face the days ahead, and loving memory to hold in your heart. Darryl & Denise
Oh, Deb. I have such a heavy heart for you and your family.
The Ryser’s send our deepest sympathy. We grieved ony about a minute. Too many perfect John memories; from the bench, the practice gym or John as Santa to our sons. We cherish those memories.
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of John this morning. I got to know John as a coach at McCook Community College with me being at Southeast Community College. John was a genuine person with great character and values. Just having him around was a blessing for all of us. He was a great role model for his players and the surrounding coaches. His presence will be missed. Rest in peace John!
My deepest sympathy, Deb and family.
Deb & family,
Our deepest condolences are extended to you during this time of loss.
John was a great man, with a big heart and a good sense of humor. I had the pleasure of being his student trainer at both MHS & MCC. In fact John was a real blessing to me by extending a scholarship to me at MCC.
May God provide the peace, grace & comfort to all y’all, during this difficult time.
You’ll be in our prayers.
Tom & Rose Leonard
Walton, KY
So sorry to hear about Coach Jorgensen! Never had him as a teacher or coach but new he was looked up to by many! I would always see him in the halls chatting with classmates at MHS. So very sorry for your loss.
So sorry Deb and family for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Coach John Jurgensen was the JV basketball coach in 1979 & 1980 when our group of students moved from Jr high to High School as sophomores. He was the best coach!! Funny, Intense, a great game planner, & he would always put his hand on your shoulder when he was coaching us up 🙂! He allowed us to have fun, and although we had set plays, he allowed us to compete in our own way, and we ended our regular season 14-2 as juniors in that JV season. As sophomores, as I recall it, we lost 1 game. He always brought out the best in us, but was stern about the things that required discipline AND he knew that would transform us, later in life, into winners & strong leaders. We didn’t know it at the time, but the many things he taught us have been carried on, into who & what we are today. It made ALL of us in that class of 1981 better men, each in our own way than we could ever imagine…. successful as businessmen, role models for our kids, and leaders for our families, communities, churches, and all of the endeavors that we’re involved in. As most know, John was a good man on and off the court and a special role model that we learned a lot from. Most definitely, he will be sorely missed by his family and friends, but his spirit is alive and well in many many of us, whose lives he touched on the basketball court in those days at McCook High School. There are many others that would certainly carry these same strong sentiments and feelings as I do. Thank you much Coach!!! God will have a special place in Heaven for this good man for all he did to help others along the way inside & out of his career. Sincerely,
Ross Halsey, Class of 81’ McCook, NE
I never got to meet John but Jaydee always talked about him a lot and you could tell they were close. Beautiful obituary- you can tell John was loved by many. Deepest condolences
I so loved your tribute to John. We had many, many conversations at church, various basketball arenas, state tournament venues, Elly/Brooke’s softball games, etc. I considered John to be a friend and treasured those many conversations. It was clear to see in those conversations that John cared so much for his family and for the young people he interacted with in his various coaching stops. I hadn’t seen John since I moved to Arizona almost 7 years ago but I still have fond memories of the times we spent together. His passing saddens me immensely and I pray for comfort for Deb, Jaydee and Elly during the days ahead.
So sorry to hear about John. Will always treasure our time together at McCook College. He was a great friend and roommate with an unforgettable laugh and smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deb and their family…
What a great tribute to a man who was evidently loved and appreciated by many. Deb and family, my wife Gin and l are surely sorry to hear of John’s passing. It has been many years since we have gotten to see you but remember John’s genuine, friendly personality and humor. The few times that l had contact with John are a good memory of Deb and her loving husband. May you be blessed with God’s peace beyond understanding, for now and the future.
I am so sorry for your loss Deb. He sounds like such a wonderful man!
Jurgy was my college basketball coach at MCC several years ago. He was such a great coach and even a better person. Jurgy and I stayed in touch the past 40 years, and he was always willing to meet me to talk finances or basketball. I’ll never forget Jurgy and I wish Deb and family my deepest condolences.
My condolences to you Deb and Family, I enjoyed working with John at MCC. Also, in Lincoln at State Basketball Games at PBA, while I was working with the Red Cross and John was working with the many teams for NSAA, he loved doing that. Great guy. My Momma, Dorothy who cooked at the MCC cafeteria for many years knew and liked John back then as well. 😎
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We loved being neighbors and his constant support. Hugs and prayers to you and your family!
John and Michelle Walsh