JESSICA TUERK, 19

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Memorial services were Saturday, May 25 at Fort Calhoun High School for Jessica Tuerk, 19 of Fort Calhoun who died May 22, 1996 after suffering from a rare muscle disease since she was nine.

Jessica Tuerk was born November 9, 1976 in North Platte to Michael and Deborah Tuerk. She spent her early years in the Ponca Hills area. As an elementary student, she won two elementary school art contests. At age 12, she and her family moved to Fort Calhoun.

She graduated with honors from Fort Calhoun High School in 1995.

At school she played the drums in concert band, served as manager for the cross-country team and was a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Club. During her senior year, she had studied at home with a tutor.

She was active in 4-H, competing in the dog obedience and speech areas.

Two years ago, she went to New York City through the Make-A-Wish Foundation to visit talk show host David letterman. They corresponded for some time after the four-day trip ended.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles P. and Grace Derr.

She is survived by her parents; a sister, Michelle and a brother, Jason, all of Fort Calhoun; her grandparents, Jack and Irene Tuerk, Pine, Colorado; her great-grandmother, Vesta Tuerk and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorials may be directed to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Siever-Sprick Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.