Dr. Jerome "Jerry" "Joe" Leigh Kurz

Santa Rosa - Dr. Jerome "Jerry" "Joe" Leigh Kurz, 79 died peacefully on November 29th 2019 in Santa Rosa, California surrounded by family and friends.

Born March 7th, 1940 in Juda Wisconsin, Jerry was the oldest of six siblings. Throughout his childhood he and his brothers would earn money by cutting and selling firewood. A natural athlete he played football and basketball in high school. Jerry's inquisitive and curious nature earned him a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin. Later, he was awarded the prestigious Hughes Scholarship to attend the school of his choice where he earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. After earning his degree he began work at Chrysler Corporation in Huntsville Alabama. He then went to work for Hart Carter and Thermal Systems Inc. in Minnesota. He founded Kurz Instruments in 1977 in Carmel Valley where he spent the next four decades designing and manufacturing thermal mass flow meters for industrial applications and environmental monitoring.

Although Jerry was a scholar, scientist and inventor he thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping and hiking at every opportunity he could. He was also an avid pilot flying to places like his ranch and Alaska. Jerry was loved by many for his humor, conversations, good will, generosity and thoughtfulness. More often than not he would talk your ear off. While living in Carmel Valley he was an active member of Kiwanis, served as a volunteer Firefighter, a Fire Commissioner and was a supporter of many Carmel Valley Village local events and activities including the Bulls Head Barbeque and Carmel Valley Youth Baseball.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Kathleen Kurz of Santa Rosa, CA; his children Kelly Carroll (Dave) of Santa Rosa, CA; Jerry Kurz, Jr. (Aly) of Carmel Valley, CA; Dan Kurz (Kate) of Carmel Valley, CA; and Kimberly Kurz of Carmel, CA; his siblings Ann Chambers of Grand Junction, CO; Jim Kurz of Ladysmith, WI; Jordan Kurz of Minneapolis, MN; Thea Kurz of Ruskin, FL; and Jon Kurz (Rhonda) of Basalt, CO; six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Annette and Jerry Kurz.

The family would like to thank Silver Star Care Home, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospice, The Terraces and the Cottages of Carmel for the wonderful and loving care they provided Jerry.

Memorial services will be held Sunday December 15th from 11:00 to 4:00 PM at 33 Los Robles Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924. Please dress casual.

Donations are not requested, however if you wish to please donate to your charity of choice.

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

Published by Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune from Dec. 6 to Dec. 7, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Kurz

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7 Entries

Robert Kluck

December 18, 2019

Without a doubt, Jerry was the smartest man I will ever know, and it was my privilege to have known him and learned from him. He also made working toward the task at hand into a labor of love.

I will remember him always.

Vince Giangarlo

December 12, 2019

To the Kurz Family, We give you our condolences.The staff at Giangarlo Scientific in Pittsburgh Pa

Tom Stringer

December 10, 2019

Very sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. Jerry was a extremely bright fellow and could do more with the basic Laws of Physics than anyone I have ever known. Beneath the considerable cerebral gifts that Jerry was given was a genuinely nice guy. He will be missed by many. Peace and rest to all of the family that can only come from the Heavenly Father above.

Robert Kessler

Sent Flowers

December 8, 2019

Dear Kit and family,
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences at Jerry's passing. He was part of the daily life of my husband, Heinz and myself as we shared meals and excursions together. Jerry's ability to tell me stories about his inventions, his love of flying aircraft and his family always impressed and entertained me. I will keep you all in my prayers this holiday time and more. Cynthia Healy

Stacie Crane

December 6, 2019

So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I worked for him when the company was very young in Carmel Valley. He was such a smart, kind, caring man whom I always looked up to! He gave me my first office job right out of school and taught me a lot! Carmel Valley has lost another upstanding community member. Prayers of peace and love to the family.

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