Willi G. Jurczyk

Willi was "One-of-a-Kind!" Those who met him, never forgot him.

Dr. Willi Jurczyk passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on August 11th, 2019 at the age of 92. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Mary Jeanne (O'Brien). Beloved "Pop" to daughters Julie (Ben) Verburg, Heidi (Pat) Kohler and Stephanie (Brian) Sutton. Cherished "Opa" of Savannah, Lilly, Kate, Noah, Ashley, William, Trista and Holly. Dear brother-in-law of Bob (Carol) O'Brien, Donna (Bob) Maloney, Luanne (Jerry) Brenner and Kathleen Park. Longtime friend of "Uncle" Stan Lencheck. He is also fondly remembered by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends in the United States and Germany. He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Hedwig, his parents-in-law Anthony O'Brien, Vern and Mildred Kasper, his brothers Herbert (Elfriede) Siegfried (Maria) and sister Maria (Hessel).

Born in Osterdorf, lower Selesia, Germany on November 8, 1926, Willibald Gottfried was the second oldest of four children. His mom was an elementary school teacher and his father was a principal. He grew up competing in sports, playing the piano and was an excellent student. In fact, he always told his kids he was, "Top of his Class!"

At the young age of 16, Willi was forced to enlist into the German army. Shortly after fighting in the "Battle of the Bulge," he surrendered to U.S. Soldiers near the end of World War II. After the war, while on his own, he finished his high school degree, earned scholarships and worked a number of odd jobs to pay his way through undergrad and medical school at the University of Frankfurt. The proud German came to the United States in 1955 and completed his medical internship in Dayton, Ohio and residency in St. Louis, Missouri.

Willi was a bachelor for many years before he met his future wife, Mary, at a Catholic dance in downtown Milwaukee in February of 1967. She was 19 years his junior and was attracted to his crystal blue eyes. They wed six months later on July 8th in her hometown of Green Bay. They initially moved to West Milwaukee before making Brookfield their permanent home in 1969. Willi had his own internal medicine practice and the unique gift of speaking two languages to his patients. He had a true passion for his career and retired at the age of 69. Mary, a registered nurse, worked by his side for many of those years. After retirement, the two became snowbirds and spent many months at their winter home in Sun City West, Arizona.

Willi traveled all around the world, grew beautiful beds of flowers in his garden, listened to loud classical music, cheered on the Green Bay Packers and attended his grandkids concerts and sporting events. He played tennis at the Western Racquet Club for almost four decades and successfully coached his three girls to become future state tennis champions. He took pleasure in "Stirring the Pot" to get a reaction out of folks and hopefully a laugh! Willi loved German beer, a good glass of red wine and going out for a steak dinner. He also had a soft spot for the family pets including his "grand-dogs" Nugget, Sadie and Jack.

He was an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church for more than 50 years and proudly sang in the church choir.

Willi was the true embodiment of the American dream and lived an incredible life. He was loved by so many and will be missed dearly. The Jurczyk home won't be the same without hearing his resounding German accent! He made the most of his 92 years.

Auf Wiedersehen, mein Papa. We love you!

Visitation at ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1755 N. Calhoun Road., Brookfield on Friday, August 23rd from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM. Eulogies begin at 11:00 AM with funeral mass to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Willi's name may be directed to St. Vincent De Paul, HAWS (Humane Animal Welfare Society) in Waukesha or AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc.