Jerry Frederick Gurkoff

Dr. Jerry Gurkoff passed away on March 18, 2020, at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center, in Waco, Texas, after a short illness. Burial took place at DFW National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas. A memorial service will be planned for a later date. Jerry was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on March 2, 1949. Then moved shortly thereafter to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he attended the local public schools. He graduated from Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio, in 1970 with degrees in biology and history. In 1972, he married Gloria Sollenberger. He graduated from The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1975. He interned and then began an orthopedic surgery residency in Harrisburg at Community General Osteopathic Hospital and completed his residency at Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii. He was staff orthopedic surgeon-United Nation Forces-U.S. 8th Army, 121 Evacuation Hospital, Seoul, Korea, and at Dewitt Army Hospital, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He began private practice in Grand Prairie, Texas, later at Corry Memorial Hospital, Corry, Pennsylvania, then at Navarro Regional Hospital, Corsicana, Texas, and at Commonwealth Health Center, Saipan. He retired in December 2019. Jerry was a member of The Board of Directors of The American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, President of the AOAO 1996-1997. Residency Training Examiner, AOAO and Orthopedic Residency Director at DFW Medical Center, Grand Prairie, Texas. He enjoyed breeding and showing Arabian horses, was a model railroading enthusiast, loved reading, woodworking, and rooting for his favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. He was a member of Temple Beth El, Corsicana and Congregation Agudath Jacob in Waco. Survivors include his wife, Gloria; daughters, Gina and Lori; a five-year-old grandson, Jackob; and a niece, Jessica. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Congregation Agudath Jacob, Waco, Temple Beth El, Corsicana, or any charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.