June L. Gurgens

June LaVerne Gurgens died peacefully at her home on August 7, 2016. She was born January 23, 1921 to Charles and Ora Mae Brooks Abney of Springfield.

Her brother, Charles Abney and her parents preceded her in death. Her sister, Betty Werner of CA survives.
In 1938 June married Charles Gurgens. He died in 1977. Together they had five children, Diane (Al) Urbanckas, Chuck (Madonna) Gurgens, Cheryl (Jim) Martin, Ron (Gwyn) Gurgens and Kathleen (John) McCree. June also leaves behind ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren (one deceased).

At only 7 months, June was chosen Most Healthy Baby out of 150 contestants at the 1921 Illinois State Fair. In 1934 she was one of a small group of grade schoolers to walk over Spaulding Dam in Lake Springfield’s opening celebration.

June loved music and dancing and always had a passion for shoes and sparkling jewelry. She was the bridal consultant at Roland’s for many years, then worked for IDOT before retiring in 1970. She loved to garden and her beautiful backyard on Second Street in Southern View was the pride of the neighborhood. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She was the first to put up her Christmas tree and the last to take it down.

She will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew her. In spite of the grief, her family takes comfort in the knowledge that she is now in the arms of a loving God and surrounded by those who preceded her, including her own mother, who died when June was barely 6 years old. Without doubt, there will be a joyful reunion in heaven.

Cremation services will be provided by Staab Funeral Home and followed by, in accordance with June’s wishes, a private graveside prayer and burial of cremains at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League.