Illinois Jeweler Ronald Hurst Dies



Ronald W. Hurst, owner of Hursts’ Berwyn Jewelers in Berwyn, Ill., died of lymphoma on March 22. He was 76.

Hurst’s background includes 40 years as a high school history and political science teacher.  According to an online obituary, when store owner Michael Hadraba died in 1966, Hurst and his brother purchased the business, where they both worked part-time. In 1974, Kathy O’Brien came to work for the store; three years later she and Hurst were married. 

In 1981, a fire threatened the business, but community members helped save it, and not one piece of jewelry was lost.

His personal interests included museums, the racetrack, opera, amateur car racing, and naturally, the history and lore of jewelry. 

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; children Rebecca, William, and Robert; two grandchildren; a sister, Velma, and a brother, George. 

JCK talked to Hurst about his store’s blog in 2011. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Morton Scholarship League c/o Wanda Moy at Morton West High School, or to the Mayo Clinic. 

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JCK News Director

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