Tributes roll in ahead of service for Elgin attorney killed in plane crash
Condolences and tributes continue to pour in ahead of a Saturday memorial service for a longtime Elgin attorney who was killed a small plane crash.
John E. Juergensmeyer, 80, died Sept. 28 when his plane went down in a cornfield near Plano while on his way back from visiting his brother in a nursing home.
A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. Oct. 11, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1070 South St., Elgin.
Fellowship with the family will follow the service in the church's fellowship hall, according to Laird Funeral Home of Elgin, which is handling arrangements.
Recalled as an energetic man with a passion for social causes, Juergensmeyer served as chairman of TLC Pregnancy Services of Elgin, which sued the city for the right to provide free ultrasounds and pregnancy consultations.
The law firm of Mauck & Baker worked with Juergensmeyer in the litigation.
"John was a godly man, excellent attorney, and a tireless advocate for life. There are no doubt thousands of people alive today whose lives and families were blessed because of John's advocacy and work," the firm said in a statement. "With John's help, counsel, conviction and prayer, the lawsuit was successful in securing a federal court order protecting a woman's 'right to choose life' and the right of TLC to provide free, mobile pregnancy services."
Juergensmeyer's younger brother, Mark, posted an essay "Farewell, Brother John" on a blog, poking fun at their differing political views and recalling bad comedy routines at family gatherings.
"He may have been conservative, but he had a heart," Mark wrote. "Sometimes his heart was so big it seemed that it would burst. Incurably sentimental, he would be moved easily to tears when talking about the love of our parents, or the distinct charms of his granddaughter. Truth to say, I'm capable of tears myself sometimes, and like him, my hard exterior hides a softhearted soul inside. So as much as I wanted to distance myself from John, my Republican brother, ultimately it has become clear to me that there really was not much distance at all. He has been another side of myself, for good or for ill, and inside we were made much the same."
Prison for repeat DUIs
A 48-year-old man charged with his fourth DUI after an arrest in July 2012 in Elgin recently pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Sergio Villagomez, of the 0-99 block of Devonshire Drive, Elgin, faced anywhere from probation to seven years in prison, but pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of aggravated DUI.
Judge Thomas Stanfa accepted the plea. Villagomez can have his sentence cut in half for good behavior while incarcerated.
He also must pay $2,160 in fines and court costs, and gets credit for 12 days already served at the Kane County jail.
hhitzeman@dailyherald.com