Curtis G. Nitz

Curtis Gene Nitz, 52, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2004, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Dr. Clare Cardy officiating. Burial will follow at Ruggles Cemetery, Baroda. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials in Curt?s honor may be made to the Children?s College Fund. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Curt was born December 20, 1951 in Benton Harbor, but later moved into the Baroda area and was lovingly raised by his parents, Ethel (Schultz) Nitz and the late Walter Nitz. He was a 1970 graduate of Lakeshore High School. Curt began his career in landscaping at Nature?s Way, later venturing out on his own where he contracted with Cook Nuclear Center. There it became obvious he had a natural talent for landscaping and took pride in all that he did. He thoroughly loved his profession as well as the people he worked with.On August 29, 1996, he married his soul mate, Sandra L. (Radtke) Nitz in Las Vegas whereafter they moved to their home with his stepsons, Ryan and Sean Sebrechts. Their life together was not only built on love but a strong bond of friendship.Curt loved people. Didn?t matter if you were young or old, rich or poor, he made you feel like you were something special. He was always cheerful and smiling, always cracking a joke, making people laugh, never afraid to talk to anyone. He loved being outside as much as possible with Sandy, working in the yard or on the house, making everything look beautiful. Together they loved doing new things; traveling, seeing new places, riding their Harley, and enjoying all that nature had to offer.Curt was a wonderful and devoted husband, son, stepdad, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed! In addition to his wife, Sandy, he is survived by his mother, Ethel (Schultz) Nitz of Baroda; his brother, Carey(Kathy) Nitz, of Reading, Michigan; stepsons, Ryan and Sean Sebrechts; loving in laws; Muffin, his devoted four legged friend; and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Nitz. Our lives have been greatly enriched by knowing Curt Nitz.