Richard Charles "Dick" Kurka

Richard "Dick" Charles Kurka, 93, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Parkview Care Center in Fairfield, IA. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield, IA with Father Ross Epping officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Evergreen Cemetery immediately following. A rosary service will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with a visitation to follow from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Dick's honor may be directed to the Evergreen Cemetery Association or to St. Mary Church. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Richard Charles Kurka was born on December 5, 1931, in Fairfield, IA to Edward and Beatrice Schrack Kurka. He would call the town of Fairfield his home for the next 93 years. Dick attended Fairfield High School, graduating with the class of 1949. He pursued his interest in jewelry by attending the Elgin Watchmakers College in Elgin, IL. Dick had a love for his country and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to his hometown and began Kurka Jewelry. He owned and operated the store until his retirement in 1998. Dick was community minded and always willing to support the town he cared so much about. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Fairfield where he was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus. He was active in the Fairfield Lions Club, Fairfield Elks Lodge #1192, Fairfield VFW and American Legion, and the downtown coffee club. Professionally he was also an active member of the Institute of American Jewelers and traveled to Germany where he attended a school on clock repair and production. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed a round of golf or sitting down with a good book. Dick loved his family and his friends and cared deeply for the community he called home.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Bea Kurka; four siblings, James Kurka, Eloise "Sis" Johnston, Robert Kurka, and Joe Kurka.
Left to honor his memory are his nephews, Jerry Kurka of Bloomfield, IA, Kevin Kurka of North Liberty, IA, and Jason Kurka of Coralville, IA; two sisters-in-law, Martha Kurka and Sharon Kurka, as well as many extended family and a host of friends.