Von Amos Jurjens

July 10, 1949--Nov. 30, 2010

EUSTIS, Nebraska -- Von Amos Jurjens, 61, passed away Tuesday (Nov. 30, 2010), at his home, surrounded by his family after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born July 10, 1949, in Lexington to Amos and Emma (Koch) Jurjens. He graduated from Eustis High School in 1967. He attended college at University of Nebraska at Lincoln and University of Nebraska School of Techinical Agriculture at Curtis.

On Oct. 13, 1973, Von married Gail Allen in Eustis. Their union was blessed with three daughters, Janisha, Shandra and Kami.

Von operated the Jurjens' family farm southwest of Eustis. He began farming with his dad at an early age, later taking on custom farming. Von was a hard worker with a passion for the land and dirt that he farmed and was proud to have completed his final harvest this past fall. He was a gentle soul and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone that needed it.

Von had a zest for life. He had many hobbies including flying his Super Cub and Citabria airplanes and tractor pulling. Von was known for his John Deere tractor called "Sneaky Snake." His tractor led him and his family on various adventures and along the way, he made lifelong friends. When he was not able to compete, Von enjoyed flagging for the tractor pulls. He also had a passion for collecting John Deere farm toys, and his new found hobby, working the land with his bulldozer. In his spare time, he would be found at the Sunday night stock car races in Lexington, browsing e-Bay or attending antique tractor parades with his grandchildren. Von greatly enjoyed traveling and spending time on family vacations.

Von served as a past President for the Farmer's Cooperative Association for several years. He was an original member of the Nebraska Truck and Tractor Pullers Association for more than 40 years and served as a member of the Colorado Truck and Tractor Pullers Association. He was a lifelong member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Eustis, where he was baptized and confirmed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; father-in-law, Robert Allen; brother-in-law, Jay Allen; and his beloved dog, Sage.

Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years, Gail Jurjens of Eustis; three daughters, Janisha and husband, Troy Ruda of Cozad, Nebraska, Shandra and husband, Kent Brown of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, and Kami and husband, Aron Grant of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Vyla and husband, David Brown of Ogallala, Nebraska; brother, Verl and wife, Monika Jurjens of Eustis; six grandchildren, Dawson and Lauryn Ruda, Kaleb and Kooper Pohl, Maycie and Brieona Grant; and mother-in-law, Georgia Allen of Eustis. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Funeral services are Saturday, 10:30 a.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eustis with Rev. Beverly Rautenberg-Panko officiating.

Visitation is Friday, 5-8 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eustis. Burial is in the East Cemetery at Eustis.

Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of the arrangements