Obituary of Raymond L. Jurkowski

Raymond L. "Mabel" Jurkowski, 71, formerly of 5480 Broadway, Bemus Point, died Thursday December 12, 2013 in the Chautauqua County Home. A native of Jamestown, he was born February 15, 1942, a son of the late Louis and Irene Benbenek Jurkowski. He was a 1960 graduate of Jamestown High School where he was a member of A-Z Fraternity. Prior to his retirement in 1987 due to ill health he was employed by Weber Knapp for 21 years as a tool and die maker and CNC machine operator. He was a member of Bemus Point United Methodist Church, Jamestown Moose Lodge and Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. He was a social member of Ira Lou Spring Post #149 American Legion. Ray loved picnics and holidays with family and the beautiful log home he and his wife built in 1984. He especially enjoyed cooking, cross country skiing, biking and gardening. Golfing at Maplehurst Country Club was always a favorite for Ray. He will long be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his generosity. Helping others, especially his aging parents, brought Ray great joy and will serve to inspire us all. Surviving are his wife Roxann "Roxie" Rexford Jurkowski, whom he married August 8, 1981; a daughter Debi Streich of Warren, PA; two granddaughters Ashley (Joe) Cristea and Mandy (Joe Horner) Jurkowski, both of Warren; three great granddaughters Emma Christea, Abbie Kent and Aleah Horner; three sisters Susan (Michael Krevor) Jurkowski of Port Washington, NY, Sally (Stephen) McChesney of Sinclairville and Kathleen Bahler of Green Bay, WI; a brother David (Sally) Jurkowski of Summerville, SC; 2 sisters-in-law Sylvia Jurkowski of Marstons Mills, MA and Onnolee Jurkowski of Tampa, FL and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a son Raymond L. Jurkowski II; two brothers Richard and Thomas Jurkowski and a son-in-law Benjamin Streich. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rev. William Leslie, Hospice Chautauqua County chaplain will officiate. Burial will be in Bemus Point Cemetery. Friends will be received from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua County Home Auxiliary, 10836 Temple Road, Dunkirk, New York 14048. You may light a candle in remembrance of Ray at www.lindfuneralhome.com.