Kenneth "Ken" Morrell Kurtz

Kenneth "Ken" Morrell Kurtz

A HERO AMONG US -

Kenneth "Ken" Morrell Kurtz, 95, died Friday, July 18, 2014 at the Thornwald Nursing Care Facility in Carlisle. Prior to his short stay at Thornwald, he had lived in Mechanicsburg since marrying his sweetheart in 1940.

Ken died peacefully just three days short of the anniversary of his wife’s death ten years ago. Mr. Kurtz and Margaret Ann Sheaffer Kurtz were married for nearly 64 years at the time of her passing Ken was born on September 2, 1918 on Walker’s Farm at Germany Valley, Huntingdon County. He was the son of Isaac Morrell and Anna Jane Appleby Kurtz. When Ken was a young boy, his family moved to the Boiling Springs area where they worked as tenant farmers. His education took place in a one room schoolhouse that he attended until he completed the eighth grade. Ken was then needed to assist his parents and siblings with farm chores.

Ken worked for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Appleby Brothers Plumbing Supply prior to World War II breaking out. After the war, he returned to work for Appleby Brothers where he worked for over 40 years until retiring from full-time employment in 1983. Ken and his wife lived their entire married lives in Mechanicsburg and were active members of the Grace United Methodist Church. To many friends and relatives, he was called Dad or Uncle Kenny. Mr. Kurtz is survived by his children James Edward Kurtz of Apopka, Florida, David Kenneth Kurtz and his wife Judy Powell Kurtz of Elizabethtown, and Kathi Jo-Ann Kurtz Ziegler and her husband Thomas William Ziegler of Mechanicsburg. He is also leaving behind nine grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Margaret Ann Sheaffer Kurtz, and two grandchildren Kimberly Kay Kurtz and William Howard Kurtz.

Mr. Kurtz was especially proud to have served with the Third Army in World War II. One of the few war stories he would relate was the time that General George Patton shook hands with him when the General was visiting some of the wounded soldiers under his command. PFC Kurtz was involved in all five European Campaigns on the Western Front that included the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of Frankfurt and the sweep through Germany. PFC Kurtz served with distinction and was awarded the following medals and badges: the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground combat against the enemy, the Purple Heart, the European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with Silver Service Star representing the five major engagements with the enemy, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

An ironic story was discovered by family while doing family research. When Ken was wounded in action in the Rhineland vicinity, it was no more than two miles from where his ancestors lived prior to their immigrating to the United States in 1740. When aging and health issues started to take their toll on him, family remembered well how strong and proud he was though he never stood taller than 5’ 5.” Ken was a good father with sound morals and was a very hard worker. He loved his country and family, and was always there when they needed him. He left behind 33 descendants who loved him and will miss him.

The family often thinks of their Dad as part of the Great Generation, common people who served in World War II and saved the world for democracy. Heroes Among Us is a term often used to describe men like Ken Kurtz; everyday people who performed heroic actions under harsh adverse conditions. This is so true for this departed man because you never would have expected it of him...and he sure wouldn’t have told you.

All are welcome to join Ken’s family at his visitation on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. until time of service at 7:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Dr. Dennis Otto officiating.  Ken’s ashes will be interred in a family plot at the Mechanicsburg Cemetery next to his devoted wife Margaret. His burial will be a private service with family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Elevator Fund, c/o Grace United Methodist Church, 216 S. Market Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Ken’s family has entrusted his care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ken’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .