Harold George Kurtz

Harold George Kurtz, a devoted husband, son, brother, and friend, passed peacefully at home on July 21, 2025, at the age of 80. Harold is held dear by his loving wife, Louise, of 50 years.



Harold was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University. He dedicated his life's work to Real Estate and Financing. He was respected throughout Detroit and the surrounding metropolitan area. He proudly concluded thousands of real estate transactions and financial solutions. Harold was the architect of his business success. He analyzed, metamorphosed, and molded his company to thrive through the high interest rates of the 1970s and the mortgage banking implosion in 2018. A key factor in his success was his innate understanding of the ebb and flow of real estate and the financial world. His ability to adapt, resolve issues, and relay simple solutions effectively was remarkable. He was not afraid to challenge and change with the times, trusting his intuition and gut. Harold's exceptional command of calculation concepts was infamous. Calculating scenarios on his ever-present HP-12C calculator was his idea of having a good time. His business associates, clients, and friends admired his sharp analytical ability and financial acumen and sought his input for their inquiries and real estate situations.

Harold belonged to several clubs, including the former Town & Country Club, Hamilton Place, and the Franklin Tennis and Racquet Club, where he worked out with friends and business associates. The club's staff were accustomed to Harold's clients and business associates attending meetings in the dining room. Harold could talk for hours to his former real estate partner and friend, Robert Tessler, arguing good-naturedly about the old business days. Harold said it was precisely like Walter Matthau and George Burns in the movie, "The Sunshine Boys." Harold was known for ad-libbing a memorable line to fit a moment. His long-time business associate and friend, Ann, said that she was keeping notes to include them in a future book. In addition to maintaining his fitness and business, he practiced karate with discipline and dedication. Harold also expertly trained his Bouvier des Flanders dogs, showcasing the art of training and his love for animals.

Harold was a man of diverse interests, which defined his vibrant life. He pursued swimming, tennis, bicycling, and ping pong (epic games with his brother-in-law Martin Fenster) throughout his life, demonstrating his commitment to physical fitness. He loved to dance, do yoga, walk, and hike with his wife, Louise. He especially loved his walks in Kensington Metro Park, Nichols Arboretum, Cranbrook Kingswood, Munising in Upper Peninsula, MI, South Beach, FL boardwalk; in fact, any boardwalk was a treat for him. He also loved an architecturally interesting walk amongst homes, as in Huntington Woods, MI, Old Town Chicago, Amsterdam, Italy, and England. Harold would seek out botanical gardens and zoos in whatever city he visited. These activities kept him connected to nature and were integral to his lifestyle.

Harold played chess, backgammon (often competing against his cousin Steve Rogin and Rick Weinerman), cards, and pool, all of which displayed his keen intellect. Harold was an avid reader of Greek and Roman History, and he enjoyed writing about his insights from these studies and applying them to his life. He also examined the lives of the American Presidents, including their motivations for their actions. Recently, he was reading Age of Revolutions by Fareed Zakaria, in addition to works on the brain and the future of AI.

Harold was a vintage film enthusiast, appreciating the artistry, acting, and back stories. One pleasure was Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Noir Alley series with host Eddie Muller featuring many of his favorite actors, such as Edward G. Robinson. John Garfield, Ida Lupino, Barbara Stanwyck, and Richard Widmark. Harold loved to go to museums and was a proud Patron of the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). He attended plays and theater productions, firmly supporting the arts, while also enjoying performances by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and screenings at the Detroit Film Theater (DFT).

Harold attentively followed his baseball teams and players and loved going to Tigers games with his friends and associates. He was lucky enough to watch the mesmerizing pitches of Tarik Skubal. He relished listening to Ernie Harwell, the greatest American Sportscaster, and was thrilled to receive a recording from his friend Rick. He keenly watched the movie based on Yogi Berra's life, "It Ain't Over". His wife, Louise, learned why Harold was upset about baseball in 2017, after reading the following article in her research: https://www.vintagedetroit.com/letting-scherzer-go-worst-decision-tiger-history/?srsltid=AfmBOorXWvOdFvd3xxSGjvPSlm7cfV8Coxd3UtGpm1MEfJ44ugm8FUs3. Harold's genuine assertiveness in pursuing all his interests not only enriched his life but also inspired those around him.



Harold will be remembered as a unique, often clever, and giving person. He was recognized and fondly thought of wherever he traveled because he always wore a hat, usually his London Fog Fedora or a Tigers baseball team cap-- a delightful conversation starter that will be missed by many.

Harold found immense joy in being the loving husband to his wife, Louise, for over 50 years. Through the years, they made each day special for one another. They enjoyed travel, whether it was to London to see plays and visit the British Museum (his favorite) or a road trip to hike Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls; these experiences made for many treasured moments.

Harold, the devoted son of his dearly beloved mother, the late Fredell (nee Rosenfield) Fisher, and stepfather, the late Morton Fisher. He respectfully cared for his late father, Louis L. Kurtz. Harold was the proud brother of his cherished and accomplished sister, the late Barbara Terry Kurtz-Fenster. His pride in her achievements was a testament to the strength of their bond. Harold was also an adored nephew of his late aunts: Hilda (Samuel) Plucer, Margaret (Howard) Berger, and Harriet (Sydney) Rogin. He held a special endearment for his late cousins, Marlene Plucer, Andy Rogin, and Glen Rogin. Harold fondly told the story of his late Grandfather, Joseph (wife Sarah) Rosenfield, an early settler on Glynn Ct. in the Boston Edison District of Detroit, who grew potatoes in his yard to anticipate the stock market! Harold was an upright son-in-law to his dear late father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chester and Dolores Bator. Harold was a proud Uncle to his late nephew, the beloved Michael Tessler. He was a lasting friend to the late Melvin Chisek, Morris Collins, Brian Frost, Louis Holtzman, Joseph Krinsky, and Ronald Peck.



Harold is survived by his beloved relatives, brother-in-law, Martin B. Fenster (Yuly Jeng); beloved niece, Sheridan (Javier) Corrales and family; dear nephew, Bryce Kurtz-Fenster and family; dear niece Alexis Kurtz-Fenster and family; dear cousin, Steve (Cory) Rogin and family, dear cousin, Mark (Jeannie) Plucer and family.

Harold is also survived by dear relatives of Louise's family, his brothers-in-law, Paul Bator, Gregory (Cecilia) Bator, and William (Carol) Bator, his sisters-in-law, Andrea ( Albert) Butlin, and Nancy (Jon) Bator-Gross, and, his nieces Gabriela Levesque, and Lindsay Levesque, nephew David (Meagan) Tessler and family, nephew Jeffrey (Courtanie) Tessler and family, Nephew Daniel (Staci) Bator and family, nephews Benjamin Bator and Philip (Destany) Bator, Harold's beloved aunt-in-law Barbara Groppuso and family. He will also be dearly missed by his many great nephews, nieces, and relatives.



Harold readily gave of his time to family, friends, and business associates. He was an insightful, truthful, good-hearted, and special person to many: sisters Aimee B. Chisek (Craig Paterra), and Laurie A. Chisek and family, Juan P. (Lela) Clavon and family, Ann Collins and family, Gary Figurski and family, Lee Holtzman and family, Debbie Kudla and family, James Levesque and family, Leroy Phillips and family, Robert Tessler and family, Lori Ware and family, Richard (Linda) Weinerman and family, and Diane Wyrock and family. He will also be dearly missed by his many great nephews, nieces, relatives, business associates, clients, and friends.

Harold Kurtz was honored privately and respectfully by his wife, Louise, and family. Let us remain beholden to his final wishes. Please remember him by sharing your tribute on this Legacy.com site. Donations may be made to stjude.org/givehope or a charity of your choice in memory of Harold.