Joseph M. Jungkurth

Joseph “Joe” M. Jungkurth, 89, of West Chester, PA peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 24.  Joe was born June 7, 1933 in Philadelphia. He was the son of Joseph C. Jungkurth and Marie (Oppelt) Jungkurth. Joe grew up in West Oak Lane, Philadelphia, attending Saint Athanasius Parochial School, Central High School and graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School in June of 1955. He married his wife, Maureen Burt in September of that year at The Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Philadelphia. They were married for more than 67 years.

After graduating from Penn, Joe served in the United States Air Force at Tachikawa AFB, Japan. Following his service, he worked for Scott Paper Company for the entirety of his 43 year career. He traveled around the world for business and steadily rose in responsibility and title into executive management as he and Maureen moved their growing family around the country, settling in West Chester, PA in 1971.

Joe was a founding member of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church and served on the Church Council for many years as Chairman. Joe also served as a Eucharistic Minister and was more than delighted to don a red suit for 15 Christmas church bazaars. 

Lovingly known by his large family as Poppi Joe, Joe is survived by his wife Maureen, daughter Donna Lukens (Dave) of Lander, Wyoming, son Joseph P.  Jungkurth (Carol) of West Chester, PA,  daughter Maureen Lukens (Fred) of West Grove, PA, son Michael Jungkurth (Sharon) of Lancaster, PA and daughter Judith Gladden (Brian) of Boston, MA. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Jean M. Carson (William).

His unconditional love and devotion to his wife and family was undeniable. There was nothing more important to Poppi than his family.  He was still able to tell you the names of all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and a little bit about each one, and he often did just that, to friends and strangers alike. He thanked God daily for his many blessings. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 28, 2023 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 15 E Pleasant Grove Rd, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Masks are optional, please be respectful. Following Mass, Interment will be private.  A Memorial Service honoring Joe's life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to IHM Camilla Hall, 100 Maxis Drive, Malvern, PA 19355 or online here or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online here.