Andrew C. Jurasin

Andrew Charles Jurasin passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on June 28, 2026 with his daughter Tamera Schmitt by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mary Jurasin, his sister Laverne Phelps, his wife Mary Jo Jurasin, his daughter Lisa Vasek and her husband Steve Vasek. He is survived by his daughter Tamera Schmitt and her husband Barry, and his son Gregory Jurasin and his wife Laura. He leaves much-loved grandchildren and great grandchildren including grandson Stephen Vasek and his wife Lindsey and their children Addie and Drake, his granddaughter Kristie Vasek, his grandson Brian Schmitt and his daughter McKenzie, and his grandson Kyle Schmitt and his wife Karly and their children Berkley and Beckett.

Andrew was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 25, 1932. His father, Andrew was born in Kastel Stari, Croatia and his mother Mary was born in Chicago. They had two children, Andrew and his sister Laverne, who was three years older than him. He grew up primarily in Chicago with a short time in San Antonio and attended Catholic school with Laverne. He received a scholarship to Colorado School of Mines for his scholastic and athletic abilities, one of only two offered in the State of Illinois.

During his third year at Mines, he met the love of his life, Mary Jo Henry. After about a year and a half of dating, they were married on April 1, 1953. Following his graduation, he was employed as a geologist for Conoco oil company. Soon after, he reported for active duty in the Army where he was involved with many projects and became Captain of the Brigade pistol team at Fort Bragg, NC.

While employed at Conoco his assignments took our family to Wyoming, Montana, Texas (twice), Colorado and California. After several years, he resigned from Conoco and started his own consulting company called Geomasters, Inc. He managed the company until he sold the business in 1992 and retired at the age of 60.

Following retirement, he and Mary Jo moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where his sister Laverne and her husband Harry lived. They loved living there, and Andrew played lots of golf and they enjoyed the wonderful weather. In 2009, they considered moving to a planned community. However, after much consideration, they eventually decided to move to the Woodlands, TX where they could be centrally located to their three children, Tammy, Greg and Lisa.

They built a home and lived there for several years before moving to The Village on the Waterway in 2018. There they made many friends and celebrated 71 years of marriage together. Andrew reignited his passion for painting by taking weekly art classes that brought him great joy. He lived an independent life until his passing and loved his life and family tremendously. He always said he didn’t know how he got so “lucky” to have lived such a great life. Actually, those who knew him were the lucky ones!

For those desiring, in lieu of usual remembrances, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Colorado School of Mines.