Dennis Michael Jurczak, MD

Dennis M. Jurczak, age 79, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2015. He was born October 30, 1935 in Chicago, Ill to Michael and Alicia (Fiedor) Jurczak. . He is preceded in death by two daughters, Laura and Alicia Jurczak.Dennis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dianne (Buksnes) Jurczak; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Beth Jurczak and grandchildren, Grace, Christopher and Nicholas.

Dennis received his BS from Michigan State University in 1961 and his Medical Degree from Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Chicago, in 1965. He served his Internship and Residency in Psychiatry while in the US Navy. He was Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and was also Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry. Dennis was a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and a Life Fellow of the American college of Forensic Examiners.

Dennis’ military history included serving as an enlisted man in the US Army and Army Reserve from 1953 to 1961, stationed in Korea and Hawaii. After graduating from medical school he served in the US Navy for 12 years where his duty stations included Charleston, S.C., Oakland, Calif., Portsmouth, N.H. and Great Lakes, Ill. He then served in the Michigan National Guard as Commander of the 207th Combat Support Hospital (later the 207th Evacuation Hospital), and eventually retired from the US Army Reserve in 1994 having served close to 40 years in the military. Then in May 2005 Dennis was recalled to active duty, serving as staff psychiatrist at the US Army Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany.

Dennis’ varied medical career included his position as Chief Psychiatrist for the Dept. of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and he was an Associate Warden and the Medical Director at the Federal Prison in Danbury, Ct. during that time. Dennis was the Assistant Director of Psychiatry Services for the Michigan Dept. of Corrections, and the Medical Director for the Ionia Complex. Upon leaving that position he spent 12 years as the University Physician for Michigan State University and was the Director of Olin Health Center. His academic appointments included Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, Clinical Professor Psychiatry at MSU, and Adjunct Professor, Institute of International Health at MSU.After leaving MSU, Dennis spent several years with the Ingham County Medical Examiner’s Office as Chief Deputy Medical Examiner as well as the Deputy Medical Director for Ingham, Ionia, Barry and Eaton Counties.

Dennis especially loved traveling and was always ready to plan a new trip. He and Dianne traveled the world making new friends along the way. But his favorite place to come back to was Hawaii, where he had spent several years while a young enlisted man. While Dennis had a most interesting career and accomplished much in life, his family always came first. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather and very proud of serving his country.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, May 15, 2015 at St. Martha Parish, 1100 W. Grand River, Okemos, MI with Rev. Jonathan Wehrle officiating. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MI.Family will receive friends Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 2-8, with rosary at 7:15 PM, at Gorsline Runciman East Lansing Chapel and Friday, 10:00 AM, one hour prior to the funeral service at St. Martha Parish.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 865 S. Cedar, Mason, MI 48854 or Boy Scouts of America Chief Okemos Council, 4000 W. Michigan, Lansing, MI 48917.The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman East Lansing. On line condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.