Janice L. Dzurka Obituary
Janice L. Dzurka, known to most as Jan, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Auburn, Michigan, at the age of 79.
Jan was born on July 15, 1947, in Bay City, Michigan, to William and Marian (Schaefer) Maxwell. She grew up in the Bay City area and built a life centered around family, friends, her community, and caring for the people around her.
She married Robert "Bob" Dzurka on March 28, 1969, at St. Jospeh Catholic Church in Bay City. For 56 years, Jan and Bob built a life together that included their son, Scott, family, friends, gardening, boating, and spending time enjoying northern Michigan. Bob preceded her in death in August 2025.
Family meant everything to Jan. She is survived by her son, Scott (Ashley) Dzurka; grandchildren, Ashlyn Wilkie and Jason Simon; great-grandchildren Weston, Maxine, and Theo; and her brother, William "Bill" (Lisa) Maxwell. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Williams, Paulette Gillman, Clarice (Paul) Ventrone, Robin Dzurka and Patricia Dzurka; brother-in-law, James VanAanhold; along with many nieces and nephews who were part of the extended family she loved deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Marian Maxwell; her husband, Bob; brothers-in-law Rich and Jeff Dzurka and Joe Gillman; sister-in-law Sandra VanAanhold; and daughter-in-law Yvonne Dzurka.
Caring for people came naturally to Jan. When she heard that someone was struggling, going through a difficult time, or simply needed a hand, she looked for a way to help. She was a wonderful cook; a meal, a favorite dish, or freshly baked goods was one of the ways she cared for people and let them know she was thinking about them. Sometimes that caring meant volunteering her time, offering support, and just simply being there. She also served the community through her leadership over the years as an Auburn City Commissioner. Jan's caring also extended well beyond traditional definitions. Julia Clare held a special place in her life, with a relationship that grew to be much like that of a mother and daughter – she called it having a "fairy god mother".
For more than 30 years, Jan worked as the secretary at Grace Lutheran Church School. The job became much more than a place she went to work each day. She cared deeply about the children who came through the school and formed relationships with generations of students, parents and teachers. She knew the kids, cared about what was happening in their lives, and wanted them to succeed. Over three decades, she became part of the fabric of the Grace community and left an impression on many of the families who knew her.
Jan also knew how to enjoy herself. She and Bob were avid boaters and loved their time on the water and trips to northern Michigan. She was always willing to make the occasional trip to the casino, and treasured the friendships she built over the years. Her longtime group of friends known as "Those Girls" shared plenty of adventures and more than a few shenanigans together, creating stories and memories that lasted a lifetime.
Above everything else, Jan was a fantastic mom, a devoted wife, a great sister to Bill, and someone who cared deeply about the people she considered family. And Jan was a Michigan State Spartan through and through - Go Green!
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at St. Gabriel Church, 84 W. Midland Rd, Auburn, MI with Fr. Marc Hopps presiding. The family will greet family and friends at Rivertown Funeral Chapel, Kawkawlin, MI on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 3:00 – 8:00 pm and on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. Those wishing to express a memorial donation, please consider the Toni and Trish House or St. Gabriel Church.
