Carolyn Heppler Kurz

1946 - 2025

Carolyn Heppler Kurz

December 1, 1946 - August 9, 2025

Lexington , Kentucky - Carolyn Heppler Kurz, CAE, a steadfast leader and the unwavering "face" of the Lexington Medical Society for 43 years, passed away on August 9, 2025. She navigated a nine-year journey with ovarian cancer with grace and strength. As Executive Vice President/CEO, Carolyn's leadership and profound commitment left an indelible mark on the Society, its physician members, and the broader medical community.

Under her leadership, membership increased dramatically as the Society developed new, innovative programs. She established a credentialing program that verified a doctor's education, training, and experience, ensuring that only competent practitioners were entrusted with patients' well-being. She also created a doctor shadowing program for community leaders, providing them with a deeper understanding of healthcare operations and patient experiences. In 2011, the American Medical Association honored her with the Medical Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual meeting. In 2014, upon her retirement, the Lexington Medical Society honored her by creating an award presented to a non-physician dedicated to improving community health.

Beyond her organizational achievements, Carolyn was a devoted mentor who actively guided and supported her physician members and staff, fostering their growth and development. She was also deeply engaged in her community. She served as the first woman president of The Rotary Club of Lexington and held leadership roles with the Better Business Bureau, United Way of the Bluegrass, and the Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League. Carolyn also contributed her expertise to various educational and advisory roles, to include serving on the Board of Directors for the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Foundation and advocating health and wellness through organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Kentucky.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, James A. Kurz, of Lexington; her sister, Bettye Cain, and her husband, Darry; her brother, Larry Heppler, and his wife, Marcella; nephew Lee Heppler; niece Lori Basham (Adam); great-nieces Katie and Mollie Basham, all of Owensboro; her sister-in-law, Marian Hudson of Versailles; her nephew, Brad Hudson (Melissa); her niece, Kim Estses (Lonnie), both of Versailles; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. She also leaves behind countless friends and professional associates. She was preceded in death by her brother, James Paul Heppler, and nephew Nicolas A. Cain.

A memorial service to celebrate Carolyn's life will be held at 2:30PM Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home - Harrodsburg Road with visitation prior from 12:30PM until the time of service. Contributions in her honor can be made to Surgery on Sunday, Inc, Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY or the Rotary Club of Lexington, Ky or to the Carmel Home in Owensboro, KY.