08 Feb Joseph Kurtz
Posted at 22:01h
in Uncategorized
by staff
Joseph Kurtz, 98, of Bismarck, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home on February 7, 2022.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 PM on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck, ND. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. A Livestream of the Service will be available on the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit website.
Visitation will be held Thursday, from 6:00-7:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 PM.
Joe was born on July 26, 1923 to Casper and Louise (Keller) Kurtz in Devils Lake, ND where he was raised and educated.
Soon after graduation he joined the United States Army and proudly fought in WWII where he was wounded on the battlefield in Belgium. He received a purple heart for his right leg wound and for laying on the battlefield 12 hours before being taken to safety. He also received a Bronze Star for carrying his Company Commander to safety and a few days later while under fire carried his Assistant Company Commander to safety as well. On June 19, 1945, Joe married the love of his life, Dorothy Zielke in Devils Lake, ND. After his honorary discharge from the US Army in 1946 he settled in Bismarck, ND where he worked as a master mechanic for 43 years at Fleck Motors and succeeding owners until his retirement. Joe enjoyed camping, wintering in Arizona, traveling, woodworking, carpentry, and gardening. He kept himself busy as a handyman, always tinkering away on his latest project. He often would say, “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”.
Joe had a deep Catholic faith that he showed by his devotion by never missing a morning mass and praying the Rosary. His profound faith shined through his love for his family. He had a willingness to help others with nothing ever expected in return. He held a special place in his heart for all his family who will treasure the moments they had with him.
Joe will be deeply missed by his children, Patricia (Thomas) Schulz, Kathleen Kurtz, William (Claudia) Kurtz, and Duane (Carol) Kurtz, JoAnn (Walter) Hoff and Brian Kurtz; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; 3 sisters, Betty Herda, Rosie (Jim) Hannon, and Wallie Klier; and brother, Julius (Joann) Kurtz.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy; daughter, Carol Schaff; his parents; brothers, John, Balzer, Richard, Joseph, Anton, Timothy, and Casper, sister, Marion, and brother-in-laws Floyd Herda, Gene Klier and Francis Reller.
The family would like to thank the CHI St. Alexius Health Home Hospice and the VA Medical team for their great care and support. Also, a huge thank you to Brian for taking great care of dad granting his wish to continue to live at home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a local veteran organization of donor’s choice, or the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
To view the funeral service, please click here.
