Search by Name

Frances Kurtz

1924 - 2012

Frances Kurtz obituary, 1924-2012, Des Moines, IA

FUNERAL HOME

Iles Funeral Homes - Dunn's Chapel

2121 Grand Ave

Des Moines, Iowa

Frances Kurtz Obituary

Frances (Begley) Kurtz

Des Moines

Frances Begley Kurtz, of Des Moines, and Pine Island, Tower, MN, passed away peacefully December 22, surrounded by her loving children. She was born April 10, 1924, in West Des Moines, Iowa, daughter of John Francis and Monica Williams Begley.

She graduated from St. Joseph Academy and attended Marquette University. Later in life, she earned her certification as a field technician from the Iowa Archeological Society. She was a writer and wordsmith, with a talented turn of hand for poetry, sharing it with dear friends and family.

Her professional life included working for the FBI, the Milwaukee Journal, the Iowa State Education Association, Drake University, and the Iowa State Senate. She was an active member of St. Augustin Catholic Church, the Pioneer Club, Talent Limited Theater Group, and the Iowa Archeological Society, serving as a charter member of the Central Iowa Chapter. She held board positions with the Junior League of Des Moines, Bishop Drum Guild, YWCA, National Conference of Christians and Jews, and was a Governor appointee to the State Learning Disabilities Council.

She married Robert Bernard Kurtz in 1946, and started their married life in South Bend, Indiana, while Bob finished his degree at Notre Dame. They enjoyed raising their six children: Charles Kevin Kurtz of Des Moines, Mary Ann Carter ( Bud) of Prior Lake, MN, Carol Horsman (Darryl) of Bonita Bay, FL, Sheila Kurtz Robinson (Greg) of Urbandale, IA, Monica (Molly) Conway (Thomas) of Santa Rosa Valley, CA, and Robert Begley Kurtz (Ann) of Des Moines; seventeen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her late husband, Robert B. Kurtz; her parents and siblings, John Joseph Begley, Austin Leo Begley, Rosemary Maneri and Katherine (Katy) Farrell.

Mrs. Kurtz was an advocate for children with learning disabilities. Her commitment to faith and to family were her focus in life, thus earning the endearing nickname of Granny Franny.

Mrs. Kurtz spent her last few years of life with the caring staff at Wesley Acres where she reconnected with old friends and made several new ones.

The family asks that memorials be sent to Living History Farms and Wesley Acres.

Visitation will be held at St. Augustin Catholic Church on Thursday, December 27 at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 11.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Dec. 25 to Dec. 27, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances Kurtz

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Mary Anne, Kevin, and family, We were very sorry to hear about your mom. Our parents generation gets the red eye straight to heaven.

Pat Cornish

December 27, 2012

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Mrs. Kurtz was such a clever, beautiful and interesting woman. The Heger children were privileged to know her well as we grew up. I always admired her style. I am so sorry that I am unable to attend the funeral due to my job duties at the Adair County Hospital ER. Please know that my thoughts are with all of the family as good-byes are said. I send hugs to all of you and mourn the passing of your dear mother.
Mary Anne (Heger)Murphy

December 26, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless you in this time of sorrow.

Lou Ann McClain

December 26, 2012

Mrs Kurtz was a family friend for a lifetime to the Hegers. I was lucky enough to help Fran celebrate her last birthday dinner at Jesse's. Great gal and Godparent to the Heger twins. Godspeed and you are always loved.

John Heger

December 25, 2012

Her kindness was primary to me and many others, and lives on in all of us.

Brian Scott

December 25, 2012

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Frances Kurtz's name

Memorial Events
for Frances Kurtz

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Iles Funeral Homes - Dunn's Chapel

2121 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

How to support Frances's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Frances Kurtz's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more