Werner I. Juretzko, 86 of Huntley, died peacefully, October 12, 2018 at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 4-8pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Graveside service will be held Saturday at 11:00am at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL.
Werner was born April 4, 1932 in Germany, the son of Franz and Anastasia Juretzko. He married Rita Stoiber on August 22, 1964. At the end of World War II he was forced by the Third Reich into the last ditch defense lines. He became a prisoner of War and was held captive for several months in the Soviet-Czech POW camp in Czechoslovakia. Atrocities committed by the Soviet soldiers to members of his family created a resolve in Werner to revenge his family’s honor. In 1948, while serving his apprenticeship in West Germany as a tool and die maker, Werner was approached by the Gehlen Organization. Werner was asked to infiltrate the Communist Party in the state of Hessia. His service led to his recruitment by the G-2 Intelligence Service of the United States Army. During his service he conducted authorized undercover espionage missions behind the Iron Curtain. Werner represented the finest that America has to offer. He understood the price of freedom.
Werner went on to be a successful business owner and accomplished writer and cold war historian. He was the author of “Years Without Hope- Rise and Fall of an American Spy”. He was devoted and loved the United States of America, he had a passion for travel and was very active Rotarian in the Des Plaines Rotary Club. He was a proud American, devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Rita, his daughter, Chrissy (Todd) Suma and grandson, Brett. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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May Werner's life be celebrated as he finds eternal rest. He was a colleague, mentor and a friend to me. I pray that God's blessings shine upon Rita, Chrissy, Todd and Brett in their mourning of a beloved man.
So sorry to hear of Werner’s passing. What an exemplary life he lead. I am proud to have known him. Prayers for you Rita and Chrissy.
Sorry to hear this for it hurts us, he is at peace. Forest Gump said dying is part of living. Without a lose we would not know how to appreciate. Cherish the memories. He was special, Thank You for my FREEDOMS Werner.
Chrissy and Todd , All my thoughts and love are with your family . Stay strong and grow together because of Werner.
So very sad for your loss..Werner will be missed and he was truly loved by everyone that knew him.
Werner Juretzko, was a mensch. A German American who served America with distinction. As I said in an earlier message, Jesu, geh voran. May he rest in peace with Jesus Christ.
I am so saddened to read the passing of Warner he had been a long time friend of myself and my parents condolences to Rita and her family.
Werner, ich werde Dich vermissen!
So Shocking to hear that Werner has left us after many years of friendship. Many talks and discussions about his time in East German captivity along with our time together trying to help the German American National Congress. We will miss you Werner and your energy along with your constant drive in teaching the world about the real history that many thought only existed in novels and movies. Our condolences goes out to Rita, Chrissy and the whole family. Werner may you Rest In Peace.
We didn’t have nearly enough time together for me to get my fill of hearing your stories. I enjoyed our brief time immensely. Thank you for your friendship, Werner. You are missed. Love and prayers for your family.
Rita and Chrissy, my sincere sympathy. As you know, Werner and I became friends while working at Signode. What life he had, I read both of his books and heard many of his stories. I feel blessed to have know him. Werner thank you for your service to the United States, may you rest in peace. Ron Schramm
Words cannot express how sad I am to hear of Werner's passing. I learned so much from this great man and am both honored and humbled to have called him friend. Werner and Dave Baldwin are probably at this very moment sharing a drink, another story and catching up on lost time. Godspeed Werner -- Rest In Peace dear friend.
Ich habe in den Gesprächen mit Kameraden der VOS seit 5 Jahren viel über ihn gehört, was in mir große Hochachtung erzeugt. Möge er in Frieden Ruhen und seine Angehörigen Trost und Beistand finden.
Ruhe in Frieden
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He’s home and forever in our hearts. May the comfort of Our Father and blessed Mother continue to heal us all.