Lucille Marie Jurschak, daughter of Anthony and Anna (Skalla) Herkenrath, was born in Portsmouth, Iowa, on June 24, 1915. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, where she remained a devoted, lifetime member. She attended St. Mary�s Grade School and graduated from St. Mary�s High School with the class of 1933.
Lucille married Peter Jurschak on September 10, 1935, at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa. She and Peter had three beautiful daughters: Peggy, Micky and Judy. Although she always considered herself a city girl, after her marriage, Lucille made her home on the farm, quickly becoming a devoted wife and able farmer.
Over the years, and maybe because she was blessed with a long life, Lucille became the matriarch of the family. Relatives and friends turned to her for family and community information. In addition to her wealth of historical knowledge about the people of Portsmouth, Lucille had a passion for social networking - a passion for which she certainly was ahead of her time. Her passion led to very fulfilling and enduring job as the Portsmouth correspondent for the Harlan Newspapers. She held this position for over half a century, resigning in 2008. Lucille also was active in local politics, holding the position of Chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party for several years. Her activities made her a natural for her participation in writing the history book for Portsmouth�s 100th and 125th year celebrations. As Portsmouth�s oldest resident, Lucille was honored with a convertible ride in the most recent parade.
Lucille was very conspicuous in Portsmouth, and not just because she was Portsmouth�s oldest resident. Lucille had style. She loved hats and fashion. Whenever Lucille went out, she almost always appeared perfectly dressed, and adorned with just the perfect hat. Of course, her hair, make up and jewelry were also all properly in place. Lucille shared with her family her love of cooking and baking, and all that knew her looked forward to sampling her latest creations. Lucille also loved to play the piano and organ, go dancing, play cards, and work in her garden. She enjoyed her vacation trips with Margaret Jurschak in the motor home, visiting her family and friends, especially her brother in California. She always followed Creighton Blue Jay basketball, but loved baseball, especially the New York Yankees (who must have won the World Series just for her).
Lucille died at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska on November 7, 2009, having attained the impressive age of ninety-four years, four months and fourteen days. She was preceded in death by her husband Pete, her parents, and her brother, Vernon Herkenrath. Survivors include her daughters and their husbands: Peggy and her husband Nicholas Thielen of Omaha, Nebraska, Micky and her husband Dean Gau of Portsmouth, Iowa, and Judy and her husband Bob Hicks of Leawood, Kansas; eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, special friend of the family Ray Pitsch, and countless other relatives and friends; and of course, the entire town of Portsmouth. Lucille will be missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa. Rev. John Dorton celebrated the 10:30 AM service. Interment was held at St. Mary�s cemetery in Portsmouth with Scott Gau, Z. Dean Lehrman, Rob Thielen, Robbie Hicks, Nicholas Thielen, Cody Thielen, and Mark Thielen serving as casket bearers
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