Sarah Jean Jurgensmeier

Sarah Jean Jurgensmeier passed away on October 15th, 2011 at Mercy Regional Health Center in Manhattan, Kansas at the age of 31. Sarah was born September 27, 1980 in Washington D.C. to Leland and Victoria Jurgensmeier. Her siblings include Andy (27), Paul (25) and Matthew (19). She graduated from Smoky Hill High School International Baccalaureate Program in Aurora, Colorado in 1997, earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The Colorado School of Mines in 2000 and a Master's Degree from Penn State University in Nuclear Engineering (Materials) in 2002. Sarah was a Petroleum Engineer, and has worked for Hess Oil for the last 4 years. She received her Professional Engineer's license in 2011. Sarah enjoyed playing rugby for Penn State and continued to support the team after graduating. She traveled extensively and visited 6 of 7 continents and dozens of countries. Sarah was known as the ultimate provider. There are many examples including: taking her brothers literally around the world, paying for her sister-in-law's engagement ring and buying new uniforms for the Penn State Rugby Team. She arranged and paid for her entire family to take a weeklong cruise around Hawaii, celebrating her dad's retirement from the Army. She was always available if someone needed a hand, a shoulder, a loan or even just a vacation. Sarah is survived by COL (Ret) Lee and LTC (Ret) Vicki Jurgensmeier (Lakewood, Washington), Dr. Andy and Barbara Jurgensmeier (Newcastle, Washington), Paul and Amanda Jurgensmeier (Manhattan, Kansas), Matthew Jurgensmeier (University of Arizona), maternal grandmother Marian Brown (Baker City, Oregon) and her dog and faithful companion for over 10 years, Caisson. Sarah is predeceased by Gearold and Darlene Jurgensmeier and John and Jean Brown. She leaves a large extended family in Oregon and Nebraska, and innumerable friends throughout the world. There will be a Rosary on Tuesday October 18th, 2011 at Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home at 7:30pm. Memorial mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church at 10am on Wednesday October 19th, 2011. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Pawnee Mental Health Services Endowment Association through Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home under Sarah's name. Her family will remember Sarah each and every day. If you have a happy memory of Sarah, or if she comes to mind, please share it with Lee and Vicki. We will remember her fondly and hope you do as well. Generous. Brilliant. Selfless. Sarah was the best sister, daughter, and friend. She is loved. She is missed.