Richard Bruce Jurina

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard "Rick" Jurina, a charismatic soul known for his passion for people, poker prowess, pool mastery, and the art of the hustle. Rick left this world on July 2, 2024, at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable moments and deep connections.

Richard Bruce Jurina was born on August 7, 1957, in Minneapolis, MN, to James Jurina and Sharon Coon. He spent most of his adolescent years in Minneapolis. In 1975, he joined the US Navy, leaving the Navy after his mother passed away in 1978. After the Navy, he held many jobs including, but not limited to, working at Hormel meat plant, a paper plant, driving a taxi, and various roles at many casinos between Las Vegas and Minnesota, with a cruise ship or two in between. However, his favorite job was a good hustle and teaching his girls how to hustle, whether it was pool, poker, or other various card hustles. He loved it all.

1994 was the year his life was forever changed when he met and proceeded to chase his soon-to-be wife, Tina. Anyone who knew Rick has been told the story of how he wore her down until she finally said yes. Once they decided to build a life together, the challenges started rolling in. They faced each challenge as a team, whether it was facing staggering grocery bills as a new family of eight or the six kids they blended together who were hell-bent on making it as hard as possible for them. No matter the problem, they did it together.

Through the 28 years together, they traveled around the country with friends and family, taking many trips to Rick's second home, Las Vegas. Rick loved heading out to New Town, ND, to spend time with his brother Russ on the boat or just hanging out or heading up to Mahnomen to spend time with his brother Jay for a fish fry or family gathering.

In 2010, Rick was diagnosed with leukemia, and for 13 years, you would have never known. He did not dwell on anything negative or anyone being negative. He only wanted to show everyone that it was okay, and he was going to be fine. The last year before his passing was the most challenging, as the leukemia became more aggressive. He fought hard and always remained positive. He peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon Coon, in 1978, and his sister, Bonnie Jurina, in 2019. Mother-in-law Dorothy Thunstrom in 2019 and Father-in-law Duane (Dewey) Thunstrom in 2022. 

He is survived by his wife, Tina; his children, Ashley (Lucas) Jurina, Alex Jurina, Tessa (Matt) Sherbrooke, Lindsey Holt, Amanda Mitchell, and Jessi (Amanda) Holt; 11 grandsons: Elio Wilson, James Sherbrooke, Jackson Templin, Robert Wicker, Dale Mitchell, Dallas Mitchell, Grady Mitchell, Aiden Holt, Austin Holt, Tucker Holt, and Carlin Holt; his father James Jurina: his siblings, Jay (Sandy) Jurina, Jeff (Bobbi) Jurina, Russ (Cedar) Thomas, Kara Jurina, Lisa (Todd) Linden, Todd (Heather) Thunstrom, Shelly (Josh) Lucero, Anthony (Shannon) Jurina, Christie Jenkins, Amanda Jurina, and Amber (Calvin) Donner.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jay Jurina, Russ Thomas, Dave Hackman, Alissa Thunstrom, Matt Sherbrooke, Elio Wilson.

Rick didn't believe in halves and steps of any kind only that family meant you were "All In".