Elmer Kurtz

Elmer Kurtz, 88, of Fargo, ND, died on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Triumph Hospital in Fargo. Elmer was born on January 7, 1922, in rural Cathay, Wells County, North Dakota to William and Hulda (Selmar) Kurtz. He was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sykeston and attended Cathay Public School through the eighth grade. Elmer lived and worked on the family farm until entering the army in November 1942. He served in the European Theater and participated in the D-Day Landing. He was a member of the 407th AAA Gun Battalion and the Military Police. Elmer was Honorably Discharged on December 24, 1945. After leaving the service he lived in Jamestown, working for Walsh’s House Moving Company and then Midwest Motors. Elmer married Gladys Irene Rogers, daughter of William and Theresa Rogers, on July 15, 1951, and they remained married until her death in 2008. In 1952 they moved to Fargo where Elmer worked for W.W. Wallworks until 1980. He then worked for Northern Improvement, Bearings and Drives, and Berg Auto Supply until 2008 when at age 86 he was forced to retire due to a work related injury. Elmer loved to bowl, was an avid outdoorsman, and greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing. After his retirement he took pleasure in taking care of his home, visiting with neighbors, and spending time with his family. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He is survived by three sons, Steven and wife Kellie of Woodstock, MD; Jeffrie and wife Tracy of Milbank, SD; and Douglas and wife Jill of Fargo, ND; Sister Darlene and husband Jerry Lund of Carrington, ND; Brothers Clarence and wife Avis of Sykeston, ND; and Arnold and wife Eleanor of Sykeston, ND; and seven grandchildren Natalya, Rachel, Matthew, Dylan, Wyatt, Anna and Evan. He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys, his parents William and Hulda, and sister Adeline (Rudy) Neumiller. A Memorial Service will be held at the Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home on Saturday, October 30, 2010, at 1pm with a visitation beginning a noon. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Fargo Senior Services, Messiah Lutheran Church or the FM Humane Society.