Alice Yarde Jurkens
Alice Yarde Jurkens died March 28, 2021 at the age of 96! She was born December 30, 1924 in Rock Falls, IL to
H. R. Yarde and Bernice Kane Yarde. She was preceded in death by her husband (REAL partner in life) John Henry Jurkens, her son Jeffrey John Jurkens, her parents, and her brother James Francis Yarde.
After graduating Rock Falls High School in 1942 (and having to wait to turn 18), she entered nurses training at Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, IL, graduating in 1946. After receiving her RN status she stayed on at Presbyterian as a staff nurse. She then moved to office nursing for Paul Rhodes MD, head of medicine at Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
She married John Jurkens in 1946, they were blessed to share 66 years together. John served in WWII for 4 years then was recalled to active duty in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War. Briefly stationed in Chicago, John became acquainted with the emerging automatic car washing business. In 1953, a life changing year for Alice and John, they made a commitment to build and operate full-service car washes, leading to 30 car washes in 7 states and calling their burgeoning business, Octopus Car Washes, Inc. As the four children grew up they also joined, making it truly a family business.
Alice’s outside interests included needlepoint. She enjoyed taking annual classes for over 25 years with national teachers in the American Needlepoint Guild. She served on both state and national boards (one time president) of the ANG.
Alice leaves a family of three children; son, Joel Jurkens of Durango, CO, daughters (traveling companions, best buddies and caregivers) Jill Jurkens and Jody Jurkens Gates, husband Charlie. Both girls from Bosque Farms, NM. In addition, she leaves three grand-children; Brooke Jurkens Penley, husband Bryan of Dallas, TX, Bryn Jurkens Kern, husband Mak of Walnut Creek, Cam, and Jonah Jurkens of Chicago, IL. As well as six great-grandchildren. She also leaves a sister, Amber Yarde Hoffman, husband Michael of Rock Falls, IL.
If one desires, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Golden Lamp Society (named for Florence Nightengale) c/o Rush University Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 1201 Harrison Street, suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607-3319, 312-9426830, //www.rush. edu/giveonline. Please visit our online guestbook for Alice at www.FrenchFunerals.com.
FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 505.823.9400 www.frenchfunerals.com