Brother Werner "Kegger" Jurinka passed away unexpectedly on Jan 30, 2009 of an apparent heart attack. Kegger was a U.S. Navy Captain stationed in Naples, Italy serving as Director of Staff for a NATO naval command.
Kegger was very active as an alumni, serving as both a DSLAA board member and founding board member of DSLM, where he was instrumental in fundraising and planning of the new fraternity house at 500 South Allen. Notably in Sig Tau Penn State history, he was also one of the original organizers/fathers of Beerfest, a tradition started Spring '84 that has endured to this day.
Outside of the stately manor, he graduated from Penn State's Navy ROTC program in 1987. He has been stationed all over the world, from the Pentagon to Hawaii and Japan before landing in Italy. His official USN biography follows.
Werner is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Hannah, son Austin, and stepdaughters Lilly and Molly. He was 45.
USN BIO:
Captain Werner Jurinka, a native of Silver Spring Maryland, obtained his commission through the Penn State NROTC program in 1987. His initial assignment was to the USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62) where he completed two deployments and served as 4th Division Officer, Turret 1 Officer, Ships Maintenance and Material Officer (SMMO) and Assistant Operations Officer. Captain Jurinka was then assigned to the Pre-Commissioning crew of USS CHOSIN (CG 65) as the Navigation, Administration and Legal Officer.
After 3 plus years on CHOSIN, Captain Jurinka was selected to be an intern with the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-1 directorate). Captain Jurinka then reported to the AEGIS Program Office (400F) as a lifetime support project officer. While in Washington DC, Captain Jurinka completed his masters degree in Business Administration from Troy State University and Naval War College JPME 1 education.
His next assignment was aboard the USS VALLEY FORGE (CG 50) where he led the ship through a Middle East Force deployment as Combat Systems Officer and a CVBG deployment as Operations Officer. He then attended Tufts University, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, as the 1999 – 2000 Navy Federal Executive Fellow. Captain Jurinka then served as Executive Officer of the USS HOPPER (DDG 70), with a follow-on assignment on the Navy Staff as a member of OPNAV N81 and DEEP BLUE. Captain Jurinka was the captain of the USS PAUL HAMILTON (DDG60), and served aboard the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) before being assigned to NATO Allied Maritime Component Command in Naples, Italy.
Captain Jurinka’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Surface Warfare School (Department Head) Arleigh Burke prize, the Surface Navy Association Arleigh Burke award for Surface Warfare Operational Excellence (for actions while deployed with the Abraham Lincoln Battle Group), the 1995 Naval War College Graduate of the Year and various other campaign and service decorations.
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If you wish to send flowers or a condolence please address either to:
The Jurinka's 13105 Wilton Oaks Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20906.
Or, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made specifically to Operation Homefront of Hawai'i, please be sure to write In Memory of Capt. Werner Jurinka on the memo line. Hawai'i has been an incredibly important place for Werner, Hannah, Molly, Lilly, and Austin and because they prefer that all donations go to this specific chapter they ask that you avoid making an online donation.
Send donations to:
Operation Homefront of Hawaii
1298 Kukila St.
Honolulu, HI 96818
Be sure to write: In Memory of CAPT Werner Jurinka on the check.
(Check (vice on-line donation) is the preferred method to ensure that the Hawaii Chapter is the recipient of the donation).
