The Life of NORMAN CLARK JURGENS
Norman Clark Jurgens was born on February 26, 1925 in Des Moines, Iowa, where he lived most of his life. He was the only child of Albert and Helen Jurgens and grew up in "Snusville", a small neighborhood on the east side. Norman attended Cattell Elementary, Harding Junior High and East High Schools, graduating in 1942.
After graduation, Norman attended Iowa State College (now ISU), studying civil engineering. His course of study was interrupted by his being drafted into the US army. He served as an MP in France and as a Quartermaster in the Philippines. After the war, he returned to his studies, receiving his B.S. in Civil Engineering from ISC.
While finishing college he married Grace Rovene Noah, whom he had known since first grade. They had a long, happy marriage of 60 years which produced four children: sons Ric and Ken, daughters Cindy and Kris.
Norman worked as a civil engineer for a short time for the firm of Nemmers and Clark. When the firm folded, he started working for the Federal Housing Administration, which later became HUD. Norm held several positions with HUD and finally became Director for the states of Iowa and Nebraska, retiring after 30 years of service.
Norm and Rovene, his wife, enjoyed being "snowbirds" after retirement, traveling to the Texas shore for a number of years. They both greatly loved and enjoyed time spent with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Norman, our Dad, will be missed more than words can say. He was an intelligent, kind, honest, humble man with a sense of fairness and a sense of humor. May he rest in peace.
He is survived by children Ric (wife Carol), daughter Kris (husband Ed), grandsons Mic (wife Kerry) and Victor, granddaughter Kate (husband Luis), and great-grandchildren Ben, Sam, Luca and Ruby. He was preceded in death by wife Rovene, daughter Cindy and son Ken.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 31 at 10:00 a.m. at Windsor United Methodist Church, SE corner of 63rd and University in Des Moines. Memorial service will follow at 11:00, with lunch served after at the church. Memorial donations may be given to Windsor United Methodist Church.