Nicholas (Nick) G. Jurkovich passed away January 13, 2023 at the age of 90. Nick was residing at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, Mt.
Nick was the youngest son of Vaso Jurkovich and Stana Perovich, who were immigrants from Montenegro and Serbia. He was born in Red Lodge, Montana on April 20, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Dominic, Robert, Lazar, Raymond, Eli and George and his sisters Dorothy, Toni, Rose, and Olga.
Nick grew up in Red Lodge, Montana graduating from high school there. He received a basketball scholarship from the University of Montana and went on to graduate with a degree in secondary education. Prior to graduating he served in the Army in Korea from 1952 to 1954.
During university Nick worked at the lodge at Yellowstone National Park, where he met his wife and mother of his children, Bjorg. Nick also worked in Palm Springs, Ca at the El Dorado Hotel as a bell hop. His teaching career took him to Glendive and Sunburst, Montana and then up to Milk River, Alberta where he settled with his family. He loved coaching basketball at the local high school and would often recant stories about the accomplishments of his different players and teams.
Nick was passionate about the game of golf and did get a “hole in one” on the Milk River course. Later in life he did spend some time playing on the Seniors Amateur tour in Montana. He was a student of the game and loved to share his knowledge with anyone interested (especially his children)!
Nick was an avid sports fan throughout the duration of his life. He loved games of all kinds, not just sports. He was proud to achieve the status of Life Master in the Duplicate Bridge world.
Nick was a kind and loving man and his family meant the world to him. He is survived by the mother of his children, Bjorg, his daughters Vivian (Chris) Breneol, Mona Jurkovich, Sonja Jurkovich (Steve Wilson) and his son Mark Jurkovich, his two granddaughters Jennifer (Nick) and Jessica (Travis) and his great grandson Jace.
Nick’s family is very grateful to the nurses, staff and doctors at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Interment of his ashes will take place at the Red Lodge Cemetery later this year. To send online condolences, please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.
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