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WILLIAM KURTZ
Born: Jan 09, 1922
Date of Passing: Dec 07, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILLIAM KURTZ January 9, 1922 - December 7, 2018 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, William Kurtz, on December 7, 2018, a day and four years after the passing of our mom, Irene. Our father was born in Bosnia in a German village, Branjevo an der Drina, on January 9, 1922, to Valentin and Katherine Kurtz. He is survived by his brother Gustav and family from Ontario; his daughter Marie-Louise (Dave); son William (Kris) and daughter Elizabeth; and, most importantly, the loves of his life, his grandchildren, Max and Yerusalem. He left Austria with his parents and arrived in Canada in July, 1950. Within several months he met Irene, they married in 1956, and together built a masonry business. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family and raise his children with every opportunity imaginable. From the cottage he built to the many world travels, he filled our childhoods and lives with adventures and a skill set unlike the norm. He not only gave us the world, he taught us to be thoughtful participants within it. He was a lifelong learner, instilled in us his own enormous curiosity and believed that everyone deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. Our father was a kind, generous and compassionate person who never forgot the opportunity Canada offered him, and worked every day to show the faith placed in him by this great country was not misplaced. His greatest joy was his family, particularly his grandchildren who are all our favourite topic of conversation. He was larger than life and we are heartbroken. We will miss his smile, loud voice and strong embrace. We will miss his remarkable dry wit, thought provoking conversations and his request; "go get the atlas." Our father embodied love and there will not be a day that we forget where we came from. He left this earth a better place than how he found it. Danke Papa, du bist der Beste und wir haben Dich lieb! Thank you to all of our friends that have rallied around us, you knew what type of a person he was. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 14, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2018
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Bill was such kind man and I am thankful for the moments I had with him. I feel truly lucky to have had the chance to have such wonderful conversations with him. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Alanna (Friend ) on: Mar 08, 2019
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We have bin looking after Mr Kurtz vehicles and trucks for over 30 years .So long that he was like a family member.Always a smile and coffees for all. He always smiled and no matter what never complained about his vehicles or bills. I will never forget once at the old Petro Canada why so happy getting a bill. He said to me and till this day i use his saying .People always are stuck worrying about what they spend , but what they should be doing is thinking on how to make it.He was a real business man with a positive out look on life.and bigger than life its self.I am going to miss Mr Kurtz and our talks , he will never be forgotten,but remembered in our hearts.And to the Family my Deepest Condolences . - Posted by: Corrado Lao /Corrados Automotive LTD (Friend And His Mechanic) on: Jan 15, 2019
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My condolences to the Kurtz family members. I remember Willy as a very kind and hardworking person. My parents spoke highly of him always. Great words of advice he passed on to me in our conversations together. He was dedicated to the church ( St. John's Lutheran) for much of his life. He will always be remembered as a devoted family man. - Posted by: Gordon Seier (Friend ) on: Jan 11, 2019
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Liz and Family, Bill will be remembered in our hearts always. A truly special, caring and intelligent person. How we will miss his stories! He was so proud of each and everyone's accomplishments and it never failed for his face to light up when speaking of his Max & Yerus. Beautiful tribute, love to everyone - both he and Irene live on in all of you. - Posted by: Pat & Ron Nuspl (friends) on: Dec 15, 2018
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We only new Mister William Kurtz for a short period of time but I can only say that he touched our hearts, he was a great guy and his family was by his bedside at all times. He will be greatly missed, our condolences to the family. - Posted by: Thalas and Niki (Friends ) on: Dec 14, 2018
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I have fond memories of Papa Kurtz. Each spring he would come into the office first with Irene and later with Liz and always ask "how are the farmers doing- have they started to plant"? And so we would discuss the farmers and often touch on politics as I reviewed his information. I looked forward to those brief visits. Papa Kurtz knew a lot of history. Condolences to the family. We have lost a good man. - Posted by: Jim M. Smith (friend of family) on: Dec 13, 2018
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I have fond memories of the Kurtz' household. As Marie - Louise , Mr. Kurtz' daughter's friend, I would spend time there. Always greeted with warm smiles and plenty of food, I would enjoy having an afternoon coffee with Mr. Kurtz. We would chat about many things including Mr. Kurtz's masonry business. He will always be fondly remembered as a kind, loving and fascinating man. Truly missed. Finally with his beloved wife. Rest well. Claire Dandonneau ( Marie _ Louise's best friend.) - Posted by: Claire Dandonneau (friend) on: Dec 13, 2018
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Our deepest sympathies to The Kurtz family on McLean Street. We only met your dear father& grandfather a couple of times. However we were blessed as neighbors to hear heartwarming stories of him and his life. Stories that would evoke peace, laughter, tears and life lessons. Bless you all as you reflect on priceless moments and forever memories. Love Mel, Sherri & Maddie - Posted by: The Reimer's (Dear Friends & Neighbors) on: Dec 13, 2018
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We knew him as Mr. Kurtz. We were neighbours at the cottage at Glen Bay since 1970. William had the best and most productive garden in the entire neighbourhood. To protect against erosion he built a concrete wall along the beach - a wall that could be seen from as far away as Silver Harbour or otherwise known as the Arnes dock (in the old days) where my son and I fished. As we went for our afternoon or evening walks down Lake Drive we would see him caring for his beloved garden or just relaxing in his front yard and greeting everyone that passed by with a friendly wave. Our condolences to his family. He will always be in our memory. Tony & Anna Zienkiewicz - Glen Bay cottagers - Posted by: Tony & Anna Zienkiewicz (Glen Bay neighbour) on: Dec 12, 2018
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Words from my father: William Kurtz was the first boss I had after immigrating to Canada from Italy. He took me under his wing and was always willing to give me the shirt off his back. Although I couldn't speak a word of English, he would encourage me and tell me what a great worker I was. He helped me achieve my bricklayer status. One of the many memories I have of Will was the time I started to build my first apartment block at 613 Young Street in Winnipeg and asked him if I can rent one of his hoists to bring material up to the 3rd storey. He said, “for you Gino, not only will I let you use it...rent free, I'll send 2 of my men to bring it and set it up for you, and when you are finished, I'll send my men to take it down. Then, you and I will celebrate with some wine." We did celebrate when I was done, just as he said we would. I will always remember Will as one of the most hardworking, genuine people I know. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace. Giorgio "Gino" Cotroneo (Founder of Gino's Homes) - Posted by: Robert Cotroneo (Old Friend) on: Dec 12, 2018
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Marie Louise worked with me and I never met her dad, my condolences to her family. I met Dave and Willie. Our prayers are with you. - Posted by: Joyce Lancaster (friend ) on: Dec 12, 2018
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To know Mr Kurtz, is to love and admire him. He will stay in the hearts of all who had the honour of meeting him. He was astoundingly generous and kind; forthright and honest. He met the world each day with an integrity of spirit that few can match. Entering the Kurtz family home, which William built, one was immediately welcomed; greeted with heartfelt inquiry and abundant offerings of food and drink. The grace which William met each day is forever an inspiration; even after the love of his life, his wife Irene, was no longer by his side. Mr and Mrs Kurtz - your deep caring profoundly changed the life experiences of many for the better. With great appreciation and love to the Kurtz family for their powerful, soulful impact on the world. Our sincere condolences, Cathryn Nykvist and family - Posted by: Cathryn Nykvist (Friend) on: Dec 12, 2018
