Frederick Kurtz

AUBURN - Frederick Charles Kurtz passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at the age of 88.

Fred was born on Nov. 17, 1936, to Fred and Dorothy (Crosson) Kurtz in Joliet, Illinois.

Fred graduated from Joliet Township High School in Joliet, Illinois, where he was an active member in the local 4-H chapter. Continuing his love for agriculture, he attended Joliet Junior College, graduating with a degree in Agricultural Business.

In 1957, Fred was drafted into the Army, where he served as a Chaplain's Assistant and had the opportunity to be in the United States Army Band, until his discharge in 1960.

Following his military service, Fred began work with Illinois Bell, where he worked for 37 years, beginning as a line splicer and rising to the position of Region Supervisor for Northern Illinois. He was most proud of his 37 years of perfect attendance.

It was there that he met his wife Peggy, whom he married on May 16, 1964, in Lockport, Illinois. They spent 61 loving years together until Peggy's death in July 2025. In 1969, they moved to Tampico, Illinois, where they operated a hobby farm with six acres and a variety of animals and family pets. In 1970, they welcomed a son, Kevin, into the family and in 1972, their daughter, Kim.

Fred and Peggy were active in Tampico Baptist Church, where Fred served as a Deacon for many years and enjoyed hosting many missionaries in their home over the years. Fred was an integral part in organizing many of the activities at Tampico Baptist Church. One of his favorite things was being an Awana leader for many years.

Fred and Peggy left Tampico to retire to Auburn, Indiana, in 1998, where they spent their retirement devoted to their grandchildren and spending time at a variety of their events. Fred a true Sports Fan at heart never missed an event. Fred was a member of Lakewood Park Baptist Church, where he and Peggy helped start the Seniors with a Purpose program. The Lakewood Park Family helped make Fred and Peggys's transition to Auburn easy. The church family was a huge support system over the years.

Fred spent nearly every summer at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp in Eagle River, Michigan, where he served on the Board of Directors and helped maintain the buildings and grounds. While doing this every summer, he met some very dear friends and their friendships have grown over the 50-plus years attending camp. In his off- time you could find him fishing or sitting at Slims or the HUT enjoying some of the local favorites. Gitche Gumee was a very special place to Fred and Peggy and their family.

Fred is survived by his two children, Kevin Kurtz (Tina), of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and Kim (Dan) Ginder, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Brody Kurtz, Bryce Ginder, Ethan Kurtz, Kylee Kurtz and Brenna Ginder; as well as his "grand-dog", Quincy.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy in 2025; his brother, Karl Kurtz in 2016; and his parents, Fred in 1941, and Dorothy Kurtz in 2004.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gitche Gumee Bible Camp, 5189 Garden City Road, Eagle River, MI 49950.

A memorial service will be held at Fairfield Township Cemetery, C.R. 12, Corunna IN 46730, on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. Family and friends are welcome.

To send condolences visit www.fellerandclarkfuneralhome.com.