Doris Hurtig

Doris Jean (Kind) Hurtig died in peace surrounded by loving family on Saturday, March 23, 2024, the day before Palm Sunday, at the age of 95 years. She was graciously cared for over the past three years by an amazing team at The Healthcare Resort of Topeka, Kansas. Doris was born on November 5, 1928, the first child of Ruby A. (Latzke) and Ernest E. Kind in Herington, Kansas, growing up on the family farm just outside of town. She had one sibling, Robert Kind, who predeceased her, and a close extended family in the Herington, Woodbine, Lyona, Junction City and White City area. She grew up with her family in the traditions of the Methodist (now the United Methodist) Church and had a fondness for teaching even at an early age. The family's love of music shone in her playing the clarinet and harpsichord plus singing throughout her life. Doris was the first of her family to attend college, initially matriculating at Baker University then obtaining a Bachelor of Science focused on teaching Home Economics from Emporia State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) in 1950. She was a sister in the Pi Kappa Sigma sorority there and maintained strong ties with those classmates throughout their lives. Later she enrolled in graduate studies focused on the field of Special Education at Pittsburg State University.
Through connections via the Methodist pastor in Herington, Doris was hired to teach Home Economics in Delphos, Kansas, where she met her husband, William ("Bill") E. Hurtig (deceased). They were married in 1951 in Herington. The young couple moved to Denver, Colorado, while Bill completed his Masters of Divinity and Doris taught 5th grade. The remainder of her life she partnered with Bill serving churches in Methodist, United Methodist and Presbyterian congregations throughout eastern and north-central Kansas. During this time and while raising their three children, she continued learning through advanced education courses and taught school in various Kansas towns: Soldier, Lyndon, Valley Falls, Silver Lake, Erie (Special Education) and Fort Scott Community College (the Maximized Learning Lab). Over the years, Doris was active in each church they led or attended including involvement in many small groups and Bible studies. She sang in choral groups and taught Sunday School classes. Doris and Bill made special efforts to be involved in each community where they lived, bringing together groups and participating in various social organizations. She and Bill retired and moved to Delphos, Kansas in the early 1990's. Even there, Doris' love for community was a driving force prompting her into a leadership role for several years with the Ottawa County Museum plus other community groups.
After her husband's death in 2004, she moved to the Martin Creek Place community in Topeka where she treasured independent living, taking walks and enjoying special events with friends until relocating to The Healthcare Resort in 2020.
Doris is survived by her three children: Frank Hurtig (Joann Weseloh-Hurtig) of Fort Worth, Texas; Janet Rinehart (Guy Rinehart- deceased) of Topeka, Kansas; James Hurtig (Katherine Hurtig) of Wamego, Kansas. She was a loving grandmother to 14 grandchildren (including their spouses/significant others) plus eight great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Silver Lake United Methodist Church or Emporia State University. These memorials can be made via Parker-Price & Davidson, 245 NW Independence, Topeka, KS 66608 (ph: 785.234.5850).
A celebration of Doris' life will be held at the Silver Lake United Methodist Church, 204 Madore St, Silver Lake, KS 66539, at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 1st, 2024, with the church offering a lunch following. Interment will be on a later date at the Delphos, Kansas cemetery.
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