William (Bill) Otto KURTH Family patriarch, world traveler, farmer, Postmaster, woodworker and witness to history over nearly 107 years, Bill Kurth died January 6, 2009. Born to William and Anna Kurth on May 28, 1902 in Rochester, MN, Bill rode a horse-drawn wagon to school and was the oldest of three brothers, Ted and Walter, and one sister, Leila. His father owned a lumberyard in MN before moving to Mandan, ND then to Tacoma, WA in 1917 where he worked with the railroad and Bill attended Stadium HS. In 1918 Bill drove the family's Model T Ford over one-lane, unpaved Snoqualmie Pass where the family settled in Richland. Bill graduated from Richland HS and the family took care of a dairy and an orchard of cherries, apples, and asparagus. Bill married Audrey Peddicord in 1934, moved to Grand Coulee and raised three children, Charlotte, Eileen and Don. He briefly worked on the construction of the dam before beginning 31 years with the Post Office including his appointment as Postmaster. He also served as Secretary of the Grand Coulee Chamber of Commerce seeing visits from Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. Audrey passed away in 1971 and Bill remarried to Frieda Mason, an artist and retired kindergarten teacher, and mother of Bill and Arlo. The two traveled the world to every continent except Antarctica including one of the first tours of China when opened to relations with the US. After spending winter months in Hawaii for many years, where Bill studied state history, they moved to Sun City, AZ. An avid woodworker, Bill made frames for Frieda's paintings, carved and made gemstone jewelry for his growing family of multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frieda died in 1997 and Bill soon moved closer to his children in Seattle. Memorial service will be held 1/17, 1:30 p.m. at Exeter House, 720 Seneca, Seattle, 98108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Exeter House or Spring Canyon Cemetery, PO Box 56, Grand Coulee, 99133.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
I meet Bill in 1996 in Arizona with his step son Bill Mason. Bill was a Great person with an excellent nature. I'm glad to have meet him.
Dave Turner
Gerald D. Turner
January 14, 2009
U. Bill will be remembered fondly for the manner in which he looked at life, revealing an interested, intelligent viewpoint coupled with vivid, oral expression.
Janice Neyrinck
January 13, 2009
We'll miss you Grandpa. You were an inspiration to ask questions and learn about the world.
Perry Cooper
January 13, 2009
I knew Bill during his years lived at Exeter House...he was a delightful man and became an inspiration to me for a life well lived...he will be missed.
Denise Stuth
January 13, 2009
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