Dean R. Jurgen, 72, a devoted Moravian Church pastor and community leader, passes away after 40 years of service

Dean R. Jurgen, a dedicated pastor within the Moravian Church, passed away on March 27, 2026, at the age of 72. He was a resident of Lititz, Pennsylvania, and spent his final days under the care of Moravian Manor Communities and Masonic Village Hospice Care. Born on October 17, 1953, to Robert and JoAnn Jurgen, Dean grew up in Bucks County alongside his older brother, Douglas. He attended Buckingham Friends School and Central Bucks East High School, graduating in 1971.

Dean pursued higher education with a focus on Religion and Psychology, earning his undergraduate degree from Moravian College in 1976. He later obtained a Master of Divinity from Moravian Theological Seminary in 1981. His pastoral career spanned 40 years, beginning with a pivotal role at Big Oak Moravian Church in Yardley, Pennsylvania, where he helped reverse the church’s path to closure. His first full-time pastoral call was to South Moravian Church in Dover, Ohio, followed by Sharon Moravian Church in Tuscarawas, Ohio.

From 1984 to 1990, Dean served at Midway Manor Moravian Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania, contributing to a notable increase in church attendance. In 1990, he accepted a call to Covenant Moravian Church in York, Pennsylvania, where he was involved in Camp Hope, volunteered as a night chaplain at York Hospital, and chaired the Pastoral Care Committee of OPEN, an HIV and AIDS ministry. From 2005 to 2021, Dean served at Lititz Moravian Church, where he initiated new mission areas, formed the acoustic praise band “Glory Be Good,” and was known for his puppet, “Leggo the Lamb.”

Dean was recognized with the John Hus Award in 2017 from Moravian Theological Seminary for his contributions. His ministry was marked by creative children’s chats, guitar playing, choir participation, punny roadside signs, and heartfelt sermons. He was a calming presence at hospital bedsides, funerals, and weddings, offering spiritual guidance to many. His unique approach to end-of-life care brought a sense of peace, especially during his 12 years with Parkinson’s disease.

As a husband to Elizabeth Jurgen, Dean was remembered as an adventurous travel companion, with trips to ski and snowshoe in Vermont and scuba dive excursions. His life and ministry reflected a deep commitment to his community and faith, embodying the call to serve with humility and compassion.

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