Obituary of John W. Kurtz Jr.

 January 10, 1940 – October 21, 2019

John W.  Kurtz, Jr. Age 79 of Trout Lake, MI , Formerly of Trenton, MI

Beloved husband of Bess Kurtz.  Loving father of Barbara (David) Baumgart, Jacqueline (Christian Johnson) Presnell, Christine (Timothy) LaForce and Ruth Kurtz-Korowin.  Dear brother of the late Thomas Kurtz.  Also survived by 20 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.      Preceded in death by parents John and Bernice Kurtz.

Family Tribute

John attended St. Francis and Ecorse High School where he graduated in 1960. Upon graduation, he attended post-graduate classes with Ford Motor Company. His first job was at Stanford Brothers for 10 years. Afterward, he worked at Ford Motor Company for 31 years as a master mechanic and a leader.

In 1997, he retired from Ford. John was a member of the UAW and Ecorse Boat Club. He was known as a compassionate, honest man. He would help anyone. His family was his greatest pride. John was an avid UofM fan. He loved hunting and fishing.

The last hunting season was the first he had missed since 1952. John created great memories on Pike Lake, on the Au Sable River and our Tie Lake home with all of the great fishing trips. We didn’t get enough memories of Frenchman Lake. Snowmobiling was another passion of his.

Above all else, John was a family man. When he and mom started their family, it truly was a family. We did everything as a family including trips Up North and attending Tiger games regularly. They never would call a baby sitter so that they could go camping alone. This was dad’s family time and that made him the happiest.

In lieu of flowers, donations will support the Dr. Dale Bixby Gift Account.  Checks may be made to “University of Michigan” and sent to Michigan Medicine Development, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.  You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the website:  victors.us/johnkurtz to make your gift.