Melvin Mikel Jurica

Melvin Mikel Jurica was born on Sept. 18, 1938 to parents Victor and Emilie (Janacek) Jurica.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann Jurica of Schulenburg; daughters, Anne Marie Kristynik and husband Robert of Dubina, Pat Reynolds and husband Todd of Burnet, and Cathy Galipp and fiance’ Duane Warnken of Muldoon; nd sons, Michael Jurica and wife Phyllis of Schulenburg, Mark Jurica and wife Virginia of Hackberry, and Matthew Jurica and wife Jill of Engle. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeanette Chudej of Schulenburg; and two brothers, George Jurica of Katy and Eugene Jurica of Moulton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Emilie Jurica; infant daughter, Susan Marie; two sisters Irene Palmer and Helen Zinsmeister; and infant granddaughter, Elizabeth Ashley.

Melvin grew up on the family farm in St. John. He attended school at Velehrad, then graduated from Schulenburg High School. After school, he moved to Houston and began his career in banking. He met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann McCorkle. They moved back to Schulenburg in 1964 and he continued his career in banking at First National Bank. While there, he went to school at Southern Methodist University, earning his diploma majoring in commercial banking. Soon afterward, he became president of First National Bank. Years later, after leaving the banking industry, he owned Kusey Lumber Co., Schulenburg Glass Co. and ran his own construction company. He also dealt in real estate and was a landman for an oil company in the latter part of his career before retiring.

“Family was everything to Dad. He and Mom made Sunday meals prepared with love bringing the family together. This was a tradition carried on from his parents,” his family writes. “We always said ‘grace’ together, holding hands as a family and him ending it with his famous line, ‘Whoever eats the fastest gets the mostest!’” He attended every wedding, birthday, christening and important family event. He was the sweetest soul, a man who never gave up, a true faithful servant, the jokester, his family’s biggest supporter, and a man who kept his family close.

Music was a huge part of his life. It brought him so much joy. He learned to play by ear on an accordion given to him by his uncle Marcel Jurica. He began playing at community picnics. Melvin was also a very talented tuba player and bass guitarist. His musical career spanned over 47 years, playing with several bands including Bill Mraz, Victor Caka, Les Blume and Gus Lindemann & Orchestra. His love and commitment to music have been handed down to several family members, whether it be playing musical instruments or singing at church or in choirs.

His Czech heritage was of extreme importance to him. He spent countless hours of research with family members compiling a history book on the Jurica family. He and Mary Ann also took a trip to the Czech Republic in 2012 to look up family members with the Jurica name. People there were always so welcoming and friendly, greeting them with kolaches, sausage and Slivovitz, a favorite drink for that region. He loved playing dominos and was always up for a spirited game of 42.

Melvin was a patient of the Heart Hospital of Austin for 26 years but he never let that define who he was. “He fought back with all he had taught us that life is worth living,” his family writes.

Services for Melvin Jurica will begin with visitation at Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home on Friday, March 17, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by the rosary. A memorial service will be on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 10 a.m., with Msgr. John Peters officiating and the Schulenburg American Legion will perform full military honors at St. John Catholic Church following the service. A reception will follow at St. John Hall. Interment will be a private service at a later date.

Memorials in his memory may be given to the American Heart Association or a charity of one’s choice.