Joseph J. Kurtz, 93, Enjoyed Hunting and Being with his Family

Devoted husband of his high school sweetheart and love of his life for 72 years, Julia Kurtz, who preceded him in death on February 20, 2010.

Joseph was born on December 18, 1916 in Torrington, Connecticut. He previously resided in Riddlesburg, Pennsylvania until moving to Lorain in August of 1943.

As patriarch of his family he practiced his Catholic religion and Slovak culture by loving with his heart and his hands. He could fix anything with his hands and his determination and he instilled this drive in his children. He was a hard-working, diligent man who always provided for his family and his home.

His passion was hunting. He was a responsible, avid hunter who respected the wildlife but his pride was his family. As a successful businessman, he traveled to 7 countries and visited 27 of the 50 United States. But his most cherished trip was always the one returning him to his family and his home.

He worked for TRW-Nelson Stud Division for over 36 years where he was in Supervision/Vice President of Manufacturing Worldwide for over 33 years. His accomplishments and memberships include: 15 years with the Lorain Chamber of Commerce, 5 years with the Kiwanis Club of Lorain, 18 years with the United Appeal - Health and Treatment Committee, 5 years with the United Appeal - Board of Directors, 35 years as an usher for the Catholic Church of St. Peter, 60 years as a member of the Holy Name Society of the Catholic Church of St. Peter, 15 years as a member of the Finance Committee of the Catholic Church of St. Peter and 25 years as a member of the Beaver Creek Hunt Club. He also donated many supplies and volunteered countless hours of hard labor working at the church and school at St. Peter where repaired roofs, hung ceiling fans for the classrooms and other manual jobs.

He was a good-hearted, kind and hard-working father who always wanted a better life for his children and proudly with his wife, Julia, accomplished this.

He is survived by his children Patricia K. Thompson of Lorain, Veronica K. Burda of Dublin, Robert L. Kurtz (companion Judith Handley) of Lorain and Steven J. Kurtz (wife Denise) of Stow, 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, sisters Janet Gantz, Irene Strong and Wilma Szabo, all of Lorain and Helen Toth of Defiance, brothers Robert Kurucz of Morgantown, WV and Paul Kurucz of Elyria. He was preceded in death by his wife Julia (nee Menowski), son Ronald Kurtz, parents Joseph and Veronica Kurucz (nee Bucz), sister Mary Putt and brothers Andrew Kurucz, John Kurucz, Frank Kurtz and Michael Kurucz.

The family will receive friends Friday 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel followed by the mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the Catholic Church of St. Peter, 3501 Oberlin Ave., Lorain. The Rev. Charles Henkle, parochial vicar of the Catholic Church of St. Peter and the Rev. Robert J. Glepko, pastor of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Lorain, will concelebrate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Capital Campaign Fund, Catholic Church of St. Peter, 3501 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, OH. 44052.

Online condolences may be made at www.gluvna.net.