Services Set For Crestwood Trustee Dan Jurka

CRESTWOOD, IL -- Crestwood Trustee Dan Jurka passed away Monday at the age of 76. Jurka is the first sitting elected Crestwood official to die while in office. Mayor Lou Presta announced the Jurka’s death on his Facebook page. Jurka was a long-time resident of Crestwood, raising his family in the village. Visitation and services are planned later this week at Becvar and Sons Funeral Home in Crestwood.

Jurka was born July 19, 1941, to Wally and Ann Jurka, who preceded him in death. After graduating from Mendel Catholic High School, Jurka joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served honorably. Following his military service, Jurka became a pipefitter and member of Local 597. He worked in the trade for 43 years before retiring in 2007.

Presta said Jurka was passionate about flying and became one of the last flyers to earn a pilot license at Howell Airfield in Blue Island. Jurka spent his spare time flying and exploring the skies throughout the Midwest. Jurka volunteered on many civic projects and became a member of the Bremen Zoning Board of Appeals before successfully running for trustee in Crestwood.

Jurka was a member of the South Chicago Elk's Club in Crestwood, Dan worked passionately to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald house in Oak Lawn. He was also a retired Crestwood firefighter and served as chaplain of the Crestwood Elks Club 1596.

“Dan was always among the first to step forward and volunteer to help his neighbors and his hometown,” Presta said. “Dan was both loved and respected by everyone he worked with.”

Jurka was the beloved husband of Carol (Vacala); devoted father of Daniel Jr. (Crista) and Michael Sr. (Tracey). He was the loving and adored grandfather of Joshua, Jacob, Jack, Allison, and Michael Jr. He is the cherished brother of Judy (Joe) Wooten and the late Patricia; and fond brother-in-law of Gregory (Julie) Vacala and the late Larry (Ruth) Vacala; and special uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Jurka will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 2 at Becvar and Sons Funeral Home, 5539 W. 127th Street, Crestwood. An 11 a.m. funeral Mass is planned for Saturday, March 3, from the funeral home to Incarnation Catholic Church, 5757 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights. Interment is at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.