Wallace "Wally" Jurgens

Wally Jurgens, 91, of St James, MN, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at his family farm, while holding hands with Phyllis, his wife of 70 years.

Wally was born in Madelia, MN to Albert and Adeline Jurgens. His love of farming started as a young boy, raising livestock and farming with his dad. He met the love of his life, Phyllis Undestad, while still in high school. Shortly after his marriage to Phyllis, Wally was drafted into the Army, where he served two years, of which 18 months was in Korea. While in the service, he met lifelong friends with whom he and Phyllis remained close to their whole lives.

Family was the center of Wally’s life, where he and Phyllis raised their three children, sharing his strong faith and love of the farm with them. His days were busy but he always had time for playing catch, a game of horse, or helping a neighbor. He had a soft heart for the various livestock he raised, and helped his children take special care with their 4-H animals and FFA projects. Wally always managed to place the farming on hold for an annual family vacation to a northern MN resort, which was filled with fishing, boating, and family games. He loved going to the family cabin, where there was always a project, good food to share and the annual 4th of July party. He cherished his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who surrounded him throughout all of his days.

Wally’s faith and service were the foundation for he and his family, where he was an active member at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, serving on the council, cemetery board and many committees. Many years and fun evenings were spent on the county fair board, where Wally helped to create the first demo derby. Wally was honored with the Jaycees Distinguished Service award. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and also the VFW, where he served as Commander and on the board. For many years, he and Phyllis placed flags at the cemetery for veterans; they served on the committee for the first Relay for Life in St James and continued to participate for many years; they volunteered regularly at the food-shelf and participated in many Thrivent fundraisers. If there is a benefit in St James, you will find Wally and Phyllis there. He and Phyllis were chosen as the Outstanding Sr. Citizen Volunteers for Watonwan County.

Wally and Phyllis were inseparable throughout their 70 years of marriage. They enjoyed going to auctions and searching for antiques and traveled many places together with tour groups. Branson, MO was a favorite for them. Wally had a love for old tractors, and anything farming-related, and was an avid reader. He enjoyed sports and always had time to attend an event for his children and grandchildren.

We are forever grateful for his unconditional love of his family. We hold in our hearts cherished memories of the farm, the cabin, sharing good food and special treats, teasing the kids, welcoming smiles and embracing new faces, his unending support and his strong faith that shaped the lives of his family.

Wally is survived by his wife, Phyllis of St. James; children, Barb “Annie” and (Charlie) Bornhoft of New Ulm; Wayne and (Bernie) Jurgens of St. James; and Shari and (Bruce) Ohland of Faribault.

His dear grandchildren include Callie (Shane) Nelson, New Ulm; Sarah Bornhoft (Jason Caldwell), Minneapolis; Michael (Jessi) Bornhoft, New Ulm; Nathan (Morgan) Jurgens, Johnson Creek, WI; Matthew (Abby) Jurgens, Phoenix, AZ; Nate (Ashley) Ewert, Willmar; Jenny (Anders) Schmidt, St. Peter; Alysa (Mark) Toov, Northfield.

Cherished great-grandchildren: Rocco, Charley, Evie, Arrow, Nashoba, Dakota, Marshall, Kale, Keagan, Ripley, Eli, Emma, Vienna, Sylvie, Nellie, William and Thomas.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter-in-law, Kris Jurgens.

Family and friends are welcome to attend Wally’s celebration of life, which will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church. Visitation will be at the church from 12:30-2 pm, followed by the service at 2 pm. Lunch will be served following the service with interment at the cemetery adjacent to the church. Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Memorials are preferred to East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, St. James School District #840 Foundation or memorial of your choice.