Dee Jurgensmeier

After a lengthy battle with cancer, Ralph Dee Jurgensmeier passed away peacefully in his home on November 21, 2022.

Dee was born October 5, 1952 in Brigham City, Utah. Soon after, his family homesteaded north of Paul, Idaho where Dee learned the value of hard work on the family farm and dairy. His adventurous and independent teenage spirit led him to attend high school in California, Utah, and ultimately graduate from Minico High School in 1970, where he prided himself in bringing bell bottoms to rural Idaho.

If you drive around the Magic Valley, you’ll see countless custom homes, cabins, and many other structures built with his vision and expertise. He loved engaging with families to bring their dream homes to fruition. His presence can be seen in those structures around southern Idaho, yet his influence in the area extended beyond homes. He also helped build the characters of young men through countless hours of Scouting, High Adventure, and church service. His kindness, patience, and mentoring through those activities and various callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints left lasting impacts on those who knew him.

More than anything, he loved his family and found complete joy in teaching and experiencing life with them. He was the fun and silly Grandpa, the wise father, and the loving husband. His made-up songs & phrases are frequently repeated by his family. “Heckle Freckle” Dad, we’ll see you again. Love ya.

Dee is survived by his beloved wife Karen of 45 years, his 6 sons and 1 daughter, Erik (Dawn), Cory (Alyssa), Darin (Linsy), Brad (Marianne), Bryce (Nellie), Karee (Josh), Kevin (Chelsee), his 20 grandchildren, and his sisters Linda (Ken), Barbara (Steve), Brenda (Taylor), and brother Blair (Debbie). He is predeceased by his parents Ralph and Bonnie, his sister Valerie (Tom), and his former wife Marni Brauch.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 25, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Acequia. The viewing will be held from 11:00AM to 12:30PM with the funeral to follow at 1:00PM. Services will conclude in the Rupert Cemetery under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.