Kenneth Jurgensen

Our loving husband, brother, father,
and grandfather, Kenneth John Jurgensen
passed away on Oct. 9, 2016.
Ken was born on May 1, 1949, to Robert and Anna
Mae (Spencer) Jurgensen. He spent his early years
in Chamberlain, S.D., with his brothers and sister.
Ken believed deeply in freedom and liberty and a
society of justice. In 1967, he enlisted in the army
and served 2 tours in Vietnam. Two experiences in
the war, surviving the Tet Offensive and losing his
childhood friend, Sam Jorgensen, instilled in Ken a
sense that every day after was an “extra day”. After
enlisting a second time in the Army, he served in the
Army National Guard, retiring in 1991, as a First
Sergeant.
He also retired from the Washington State Penitentiary
after 32 years. He began that career as a correctional
officer was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant,
Unit Supervisor and finally Hearings Officer.
He taught Criminal Justice courses at Walla Walla
Community College.
Ken’s main hobby was reading. He always had a
book in his hand or pocket. Ken had a sharp mind
that held and disseminated information. He had a
keen interest in genealogy and spent a great deal
of time researching family history. Ken also loved
traveling and exploring new places.
Ken loved to be around his family and friends. He
regularly played poker and went on road trips with
good friends, drove home annually to his South
Dakota family, and enjoyed time with his kids and
granddaughter.
The love of Ken’s life was Judy, who he married on
July 20, 1985. Theirs was a truly great love story
full of mutual devotion.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his motherin-
law, Esther Overturf and his dear friend, Karen
Dunn. He is survived by his wife; his children, Kirsten
Schober and Trevor Schober (Akiko); granddaughter,
Willa Schober-Hockman (Derek Strausbaugh);
brothers, Donnie (Annetta), Larry (Beth);
and sister, Robin Mashek (Ronnie); sisters-in-law,
Sharron Godfrey, Donna Ambs, Penny Knight
(Ron), Debi Overturf (Brian Helms); and numerous
nieces, nephews and cousins.
Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 13,
from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m at Herring Groseclose Funeral
Home. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct.
14, at Grace United Methodist Church of Walla Walla.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friends
of the Library or a charity of the donor’s choosing
through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W.
Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family
are invited to sign the online guest book at www.
herringgroseclose.com.