Brian P. Kurz

1979 - 2024

Brian P. Kurz, 44, of Gridley passed away at 1:27 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

Brian was born on September 21, 1979, in Hannibal, MO a son of Tim and Kathy Yates Kurz.

Brian met Katie Ruegge on his first day at Culver-Stockton College in 1998 and they were married on August 17, 2002, in Hayesville, NC. She survives along with their children, one daughter, Hannah Kurz; one son, Luke Kurz, both at home. Brian is also survived by his parents, Tim (Kathy) Kurz of Frankford, MO; three brothers, Brad (Sara) Kurz of Hannibal, MO; JR (Sarah) Kurz of Maryville, MO; Jason (Amber) Kurz of Lee's Summit, MO; 11 nieces and nephews, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Brian earned a Master of Educational Administration Degree from Illinois State University and a Specialist of Education Degree from Eastern Illinois University. He taught in Bloomington District 87 for 3 years before moving to El Paso Gridley in 2004 where he served as a reading specialist, elementary teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Director of Instruction. He also joyfully served the communities of Mendon and Ursa, IL as Superintendent of Unity CUSD #4 Schools from 2013-2016 and Columbia, MO as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources before returning to EPG as Superintendent in 2017. He was a passionate, tireless educator who modeled integrity and compassion as a true servant leader.

Brian was a member of Christ Community Church in Gridley where he served as an elder.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at El Paso Gridley Middle School. Rev. Andy Huette will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 4-8 p.m. and one hour before services on Friday both at the El Paso Gridley Middle School. Private family burial will be in the Gridley Cemetery. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso is handling arrangements for the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Community Church or the Brian P. Kurz Memorial Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.