Marco Antonio Juracan

Dr. Marco Antonio Juracán (9/28/74 - 1/21/22)

Our beloved father, husband, son, and brother Dr. Marco Antonio Juracán, PsyD, 47, returned to the loving arms of his Savior on Friday, January 21st, 2022. Marco was born September 28th, 1974 in Waukegan, Illinois, the son of Abraham Juracán and Pamela L Murray. Marco considered himself lucky to be raised by his Mom and Dad, David Murray, in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the only boy among three sisters, Lilliana, Autumn, and Aubrey. He frequently bragged of his midwest roots. Marco attended elementary school in Grand Haven, Michigan until his family moved to Marne, Michigan where he attended Coopersville Public Schools. Right before his senior year, his family moved to Grand Rapids proper and Marco graduated from Northview High School in 1993. From 1993 to 1995, Marco served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Guatemala City South Mission where he was able to connect with part of his heritage and experience the joy of serving. Upon returning from his mission, he attended and graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Marco was a competitive and avid sports enthusiast from a young age. If he wasn’t playing basketball, he was watching basketball, or talking about basketball. He was a lifelong Chicago Bulls fan who was raised in Detroit Piston territory, which led to many heated discussions amongst his friends. He always wore #23 while participating in sports in homage to his favorite and arguably the greatest basketball player, Michael Jordan. As an adult his sports enthusiasm spread into other areas, namely golf, jiu jitsu, and football. Marco hosted a yearly Fantasy Football league that brought out the best trash talking, strategic planning sessions, back door deals, and epic trophies!

Marco dedicated his entire professional career to helping individuals through their toughest and often darkest times. He was their listening ear. He provided thoughtful insight and sound advice. He was a fierce advocate and confidant. He believed in people when they had given up on themselves. Working in a helper field was challenging, but Marco looked forward to connecting with his clients and being there for them when they needed him. Marco was able to facilitate change in many lives through his decades long career.

Marco was the center of his family, both immediate and extended. He was the steady force, cheerleader, and fun generator. He was the life of the party and people were drawn to him. He had the most irreverent sense of humor and used it frequently to diffuse tough situations and warm a room up. His home was a refuge that people sought for comfort, camaraderie, and safety. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

Marco is survived by his wife Joanna and their children they raised together, Abigail Millard (Andrew) Wallock, Emily Millard (Kaden) Bentley, Matthew (Shyanne) Millard, Harmony Juracán, and Brooks Juracán, as well as his beloved grandchildren Ruby Millard and Charlie Bentley. His parents David and Pamela Murray. His siblings Liliana Juracán (Jeremy) Stephenson, Autumn Murray (Shayne) Jones, and Aubrey Murray. His in-laws John (Tina) Ek, Joan (Tom) Folmsbee and their children Andrew (Erin) Ek, Johnny (Terri-Dawn) Ek, Ben Ek, Alan (Elke) Ek, Natalie Ek (Craig) Gertsch, Kevin (Julia) Lang, Jessica Lang (Sam) Broome, Krista Ek (Ben) Guthrie, and Kendra Ek (Parker) Johnson, and numerous nieces, and nephews.

Marco’s life will be celebrated Saturday, January 29th, 2022 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Orem Grove Park Stake Center Chapel located at 90 N 600 W St Orem, UT 84057

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