Gary E. Kurtz

Holt, Michigan

Gary Edward “Turk” Kurtz peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2016, in the presence of his family.  He was a member of Pennway Church of God, and resided in Holt for 16 years.

He was born November 21, 1938, in Fairview, MI, the son of Marvin and Bertha (Finch) Kurtz. He graduated from Fairview High School in 1957 and later from Michigan State University in 1962 where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education.  He was married to Janice (Giesler) Kurtz for 58 years, his high school sweetheart.  Gary spent many years working in support of agriculture; teaching Ag Education and coaching at Standish Sterling and Posen High School, Olin Corporation, Farmers Home Administration, and Massey Ferguson.  He retired from Michigan State University where he worked in supervision at the Physical Plant.  He loved his family and friends dearly, always placing them before himself.  He also encouraged and influenced many MSU students as they worked on campus.  He was a great outdoorsman, hunter and loved watching Michigan State sports.  You could always count on Gary for a good joke or story, and warm friendship.  He will be missed by all as a great listener, who encouraged his family and friends without judgment, and was a pillar of strength.

Those here to cherish his memories are his wife, Janice; his children, Bryan (Jo Ann) Kurtz, Barbara (Edwin) Gordon, April (Jeff) Nelson, Sean (Martha) Kurtz, Heather (Missy) Howse-Kurtz; his grandchildren, Kamryn Kurtz, Connor Kurtz, Hannah Gordon, Evelyn Kurtz, Jared Nelson, Ashlyn Kurtz and Chase Howse-Willard; his sister, Linda Kurtz-Craven; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother Jonathan D. Kurtz.

Memorial contributions can be made to United Cerebral Palsy Foundation (www.ucp.org), the Battle Creek VA Medical Center (www.battlecreek.va.gov), or Pennway Church of God North Campus in the name of Gary E. Kurtz.

Gary’s celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at Pennway Church of God, 1101 E. Cavanaugh Rd., Lansing, MI 48910. His family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the church, and beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday before the service. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.

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4 Messages to “Gary E. Kurtz

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Owen and Pat Gusler
September 13, 2016 at 3:57 pm

Jan, Owen was born 3 days before Gary, and his memories go back almost that far (our parents were friends so the memories go way back). We mourn with you and pray God’s mercies for you and the family as you grieve your loss. Wish we could hug you and share memories. May our God comfort you.
Owen and Pat

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Brandon Baswell
September 14, 2016 at 11:16 pm

Gary is well remembered as a generous and thoughtful supervisor and a great Spartan! Go Green!

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Eli & Ceil
September 15, 2016 at 9:50 pm

Our thoughts are with you and know you will find solace in your amazing memories.

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Arthur McLeod
September 18, 2016 at 6:53 pm

Thanks for everything, Gary. Farewell until we meet again. – Arthur

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