Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Helms Funeral Home - Decorah

306 East Water Street

Decorah, Iowa

William Kurth Obituary

DR. WILLIAM C. KURTH Decorah Dr. William C. Kurth, 86, of Decorah, Iowa, died of complications from Parkinson's disease on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah with the Rev. Chad Huebner officiating. Private family burial will be in Phelps Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, one hour before the service, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He was a professor of classics at Luther College for 31 years. Bill is survived by his three children, Amelia Kurth of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Emily Kurth-Christensen (Michael Christensen) of Harlan, Iowa and William Alton Kurth of Iowa City, Iowa; two grandchildren: Grayson and Ainsley Christensen; one sister, Jacqueline Hanson of Eureka, Ill.; and his long-time companion, Judith Koutny of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.fjelstul.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given Parkinson Research Foundation, 5969 Cattleridge Blvd. Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34232 (parkinsonhope.org), Luther College, c/o Development Office, 700 College Dr., Decorah, IA 52101 or Commonweal Theatre Company, 208 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro, MN 55949.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Kurth

Sponsored by Helms Funeral Home - Decorah.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Richard Tiegs

December 19, 2018

William, Emily, and Amelia - I was saddened to read of your father's death. Having worked with William on and off over the years, I was able to see Bill at different points along the path of life. He will be missed by many.

Richard Tiegs, Coralville

Rick Lawrence

December 16, 2018

Great teacher. Always saw him when I came to Luther for reunions. Best month of my life was spending it in Greece in 1977 with him. "Oh, geez." He will be missed.

Lehlohonolo "Lee" Tlou

December 16, 2018

Dr. Kurth was our neighbour on Leif Erikson Dr. about 50 years ago. I think of him from my 8-10 year old memory and remember him as the best father my sister's friend Amelia, my brother's friend Emily and our dear friend William Jr. could ever have. Dr Kurth was a devoted father who always encouraged all the neighbourhood kids to be creative and joyful in our play time. Coming from Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe of today), I remember reading many American children's books. But the Xmas books, with Santa Claus always drew me closer, because they reminded me of my fun-loving, spirited, joyful, white-bearded neighbour, Dr. William Kurth. May he Rest in Everlasting and Sublime Peace. With Love, "Lee" Tlou

Teresa Reinig

December 15, 2018

Cherish all of the wonderful memories and let him continue to guide you in your daily life. Blessed.

Elise Nelson

December 14, 2018

My deepest sympathies to Amelia, Emily, and William. Your father was a great man, and I was glad to know him and his family while growing up. I remember William as a youngster handing out hugs as well as smiles.

Kim Sommer

December 14, 2018

He will be missed....prayers for the family....

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in William Kurth's name

Memorial Events
for William Kurth

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Helms Funeral Home - Decorah

306 East Water Street, Decorah, IA 52101

How to support William's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor William Kurth's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more