Warren J. Kurtz

Warren J. Kurtz, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away, Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland in St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Kevin Perthuis officiating.  Burial will follow at Spring Run Cemetery in Scottdale, with military rites provided by the Stevensville American Legion Post #568.  Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home.  Those wishing to sign Warren’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Warren was born May 26, 1931 in Goshen, Indiana to Alvin J. & Edith (Huber) Kurtz.  He graduated from Jefferson High School in Goshen, Class of 1948.  Warren served his country during the Korean War in the US Air Force.  On August 11, 1956, he married the former Pat Leonard in St. Joseph.  Warren and his twin brother Willis founded Twin Sewing Center in Benton Harbor, which they operated for several years.  Most of Warren’s career was as a salesman in industrial sales, the majority with Schultz Industrial Supply.  Warren served for 40 years on the Royalton Township Planning Commission from 1973-2013.  He was a member of Stevensville American Legion Post #568, was active with the Masons and the Shriners, and in his free time enjoyed deer hunting, fishing and the outdoors.  He was a very loving and giving man, always willing to help in any way he could.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Warren is survived by his wife Pat; three sons-Stephen W. (Susan) Kurtz of Denver, John W. Kurtz of St. Joseph, Todd L. (Adrianne) Kurtz of Yorba Linda, CA; eight grandchildren-Will, Hallie, Sarah, Andra, Amy, Jack, Kelly & Kyle; his brother Robert (Betty) Kurtz of Mathis, TX; his sister Mary (Bruce) Probst of North Umberland, PA; sister-in-law Mary Kurtz of Elkhart, IN; and numerous nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death two brothers-Calvin, and twin brother Willis Kurtz, and his step-mother Erma Kurtz.