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Walter Kurtz Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Walter Kurtz
Jim Husman '63
August 23, 2009
Those of us who knew Wally Kurtz were blessed by his kindness, his dedication to STMA and its students, and his humanity. While his passing is a tremendous loss, he lives on in the hearts and minds of those lucky enough to have known him.
Tom Mahon
August 11, 2009
I join with others in celebrating the life, and mourning the loss, of "Prof" Kurtz. He was a goodly and Godly man. We worked closely together when I was editor of the 1962 Kaydet; he was teacher, mentor, friend, advocate, inspiration and much-needed proofreader.
We could not recognize as teens in the 50s and 60s - as we can appreciate now - the worth of such men as Wally, Joe O'Brien, Marv Bassett, Col Langeland, Walter Westline and the many others of 'the Old Guard': Gladly would they learn and gladly teach.
Emory Estes
July 9, 2009
I am devastated to learn of Wally's death. We served together in WW II and had only recently reconnected by phone and mail. Suspected problems when my Christmas greeting was returned without a forwarding address. My deepest condolences to his many friends and his beloved family.
Greg Culligan
May 14, 2009
Wally - Rest in Peace my good friend. I remember receiving your Alumni Award in 1988 and I just dug it out of my STMA box to show my kids. You and Rollo were my favorites at the Academy. Say hello to Rollo and Dr. Dave for us.
Peace and God Bless!
Jim Allard '80
April 21, 2009
I remember when I graduated and was able to make the transition to calling him Wally instead of Mr. Kurtz. When my Aunt Katie passed away some years ago, Wally came to the wake to pay his and STA's respects to our family, even though it had been decades since any of us had graduated. Kindnesses like this towards his extended STA family show the depth of his character and love. He will be missed.
Ray Allard
April 21, 2009
I always felt that STA was a family that I loved very much. Wally was one of the strongest links that made that feeling endure as I aged and moved away from St. Paul. God bless him.
George Schmid
April 21, 2009
Although I am a Cretin grad (1959) Wally made me feel welcome when my three boys attended STA. An icon, a gentleman and a just plain great guy. He left a great legacy to be proud of.
Andrea Davis
April 21, 2009
I am a friend of Sue Johnson. I wanted to extend my prayers and sympathy during this time. I heard he was an amazing man and I know he will be missed.
With Hope, Andrea,Adam, Matt and Victoria Davis
Jim and Darlene Ascheman
April 20, 2009
Dear Roger, Mary and families,
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. May the Lord's love and promise of paradise bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Tim Garvey
April 20, 2009
Wally Kurtz,
Revered colleague at STA, nicest neighbor,
friend for life, we'll miss you. 'Thanks for the memories.'
Tim and Marge Garvey
Ocala, Florida
Leo Collins
April 20, 2009
Wally will be missed by the St. Thomas Academy "family" of which he was such a key part. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Leo Collins and family
Jim Kurtz
April 20, 2009
All of you, thanks for the beautiful comments about Uncle Wally. He is my uncle, but more like a brother, best friend and father all rolled into one. Walt was just so present to whoever he was with. You touched so many. Everywhere we went where ever it was, there was always someone to yell, "Hey, Prof/Mr. Kurtz!" Such a kind, humble and gentle man who was funny and fun to be with. And a good and holy man. You will always have a special place in my heart. You are at peace now Walt; and you know how much I love you. Shamus
Chris Lentz
April 20, 2009
You were one of the last of the "Old Guard" and I will always appreciate all you have done for STA. "Eternal Rest grant unto him O Lord" Chris Lentz, Class of 1988
Mike McKasy
April 20, 2009
Wally was an icon. He embodied the old and new campuses of St. Thomas Academy, and helped join them as one. He will be sorely missed. -Mike McKasy '66 (Federal Way, WA)
Chuck & Mary Tambornino
April 20, 2009
Wally was class act I am a Cretin grad
and he never held that against me
Julie Hildestad
April 20, 2009
Uncle Waldo,
Even though you weren't my uncle, you treated me as your niece. I will miss your smile, your thundering laugh, and your never ending humor. Enjoy heaven Wally and say hi to my parents and Darrell! Love you!
Pat Johnson
April 19, 2009
As a student, athlete, teacher, spokesperson, development director, and friend, Wally served as a role model for and faithful witness to Academy achievements. He was a true gentleman. His grace and style will be missed. R.I.P.
Tom Cohoon
April 19, 2009
"The Academy" was his life. STMA to us old timers.
Rest in peace Wally, you were a great guy, one of the best, at good old STMA.
April 19, 2009
Prof Kurtz never taught me in a formal class but in 4 years of slogging through the yearbook and another 53 years of friendship, he taught me everything good I know. Rest in peace, Wally. Mike Moorhead '56
Justo Nunez
April 19, 2009
Definitely one of the stars in the STA firmament, Prof. Kurtz was a face you always associated with respect and integrity, and happiness ... his smile was ever present and he certainly lived life to the fullest. I send my condolences to his family and hope they all know just how important he was to all of us students and alumni at STA. Justo Nunez '71 (Greensboro, North Carolina)
Lawrence Praml
April 19, 2009
May God bless you Prof. Kurtz! You could never have imagined the impact you made on your students' lives...as a teacher and as a man. Your memory lives on! Larry Praml 1957
Mark Mazzitello
April 19, 2009
My sincere condolences to the Kurtz family.
We could always count on Prof Kurtz to be there for Staff and Students.
His Pride in the Academy and what it stood for was unshakable.
As we gather this year for our 35th reunion we will certainly miss that great smile and warm welcome he always shared with all of us.
God Bless, and thank you Wally.
Bill Kozlak
April 19, 2009
God rest you Wally...you have always been "Mr. STA" to hundreds of graduates. You will surely be missed, but not forgotten...thanks for the memories. My prayers are with all in the family as his life is celebrated.
Chas Peluso
April 19, 2009
What can you say about Prof Kurtz.? He was simply the best. My alltime favorite English teacher and also taught one of the most useful classes in high school, typing. I've always been proud of being a "Tommie Typer." I'll miss him at all the STA functions. He was St. Thomas. Chas Peluso 1965
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