William C. "Bill" Kurtz

1945 - 2018

William C. "Bill" Kurtz

Lebanon - William C. "Bill" Kurtz passed away July 21, 2018 at home, after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was born 12-24-45 in Pittsburgh, PA. Son of the late Roy and Ida Kurtz. Bill was married to Diane Thompson Kurtz for 53 years.

Bill received a Bachelor's Degree from Millersville University and a Master's Degree from Penn State University in Regional Planning. He enjoyed a very productive 37 year career with the Lebanon County Planning Department serving as Executive Director for the last 34 years until retirement on June 1, 2004. During his tenure as Executive Director he elevated community planning programs to prominence in Lebanon County and developed community planning models and concepts emulated throughout PA. He was an excellent communicator, often in demand to teach, educate or speak publicly on planning issues. Bill embraced a strong economic/business emphasis in community planning and served extensively with chamber of commerce and economic development agencies. Bill's successful efforts to combine county, city, township and borough programs for joint benefits won the Governor's Award for local government excellence in 2001. Following his retirement in 2004 Bill pursed his economic interests as business and real estate consultant for Eastern Land and Resources group in Annville.

Bill was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. He was a long time member of the Tulpehocken Rod and Gun Club and in his later years became interested in big game and salt water fishing. Bill was a good golfer, often seen with senior groups throughout PA. Most of all, Bill enjoyed time at his cabin along Kettle Creek in Clinton County with family and friends.

In addition to his wife Diane, Bill is survived by sons, William A. Kurtz of Lockwood, NY, and Steven J. Kurtz and his wife Kate of Apple Creek, Myerstown, PA. He is also survived by ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Schaefferstown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1432 Heidelberg Ave., Schaefferstown, PA 17088; or the American Cancer Society, 855 Tuck St., Ste. 2, Lebanon, PA 17042.

Grose Funeral Home, Myerstown, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

GroseFH.com