Jean Anne Kurtz

Jean Anne Kurtz God's Word tells us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. As the sun rose on Friday, January 6, 2012, Jean Anne Dietrich Kurtz was resting quietly in her bed at The Elizabeth Scott Community in Maumee, Ohio where she was a resident for over three years. Just after sunset, Jean was standing and singing praises to her Heavenly Father with her sweetheart, Kenny, at her side. She was eighty-seven and the lives of those who love her will never be the same. Jean was born on October 21, 1924, in Napoleon, Ohio, the second daughter of six children born to Walter and Audrey Dietrich. Jean spent her entire life in Northwest Ohio where she graduated from Chesterfield-Dover High School in 1941 at the remarkable young age of sixteen. Jean married Kenneth James Kurtz at Toledo Gospel Tabernacle (now known as First Alliance Church) on June 22, 1946, and they built their first home on Daleford Drive where they raised two daughters and lived together for almost thirty years before moving to Villa Drive after Kenny's retirement from Champion Spark Plug. Jean worked for many years with her sister, Madeline, as an accomplished caterer and even more years, 22 years to be exact, as secretary to Don Zell, an insurance agent for Northwestern Mutual Life. Jean especially loved butterflies, cheesy potato soup from Bob Evans, Shuswap fishing vacations in Canada with her church friends, visits to Brazil to see her missionary daughter, Bren, and of course trips to watch her Detroit Tigers play baseball. A favorite lunch spot after getting her hair done was SteaknShake Restaurant or eating spaghetti anywhere it was offered! She eagerly awaited "Game Night" on Fridays and always enjoyed hosting holiday meals and large family reunions on both Daleford and Villa Drives where her pizza parties were legendary. Jean was also able to attend both the graduation and wedding celebrations of all three of her grandchildren and they will never forget having cinnamon French toast breakfasts at Grandma's house. Jean was an active member of First Alliance Church where she served as Sunday school teacher, sang in the church choir, was youth advisor along with Kenny, and headed up the kitchen committee for many years. As a result, many church members and their children got to sample her culinary delights. Jean was preceded in death by the love of her life and helpmate, Kenny, on October 7, 1991, her brothers, Norman and Junior, and her sister, Louise Dietrich White, as well as a baby sister, Donna Irene, who died in infancy. Jean is survived by her two daughters, Joyce (Tom) Yarnell and Brenda Kurtz, her three grandchildren and their spouses, Patrick (Ashley) Yarnell, Jenny (Ben) Yarnell Sheriff, Andy (Meghan) Yarnell, and her sisters, Madeline Gilleland, Gwen Raper, and Connie (Doug) Taylor. Jean's family would like to thank the staff at Elizabeth Scott Community who gave Jean such tender care and made life so much fun while she was a resident there. Her family also wants to express appreciation to the staff of Northwest Hospice of Ohio who likewise compassionately attended to Jean's needs in the last month of her life here on earth. Those who knew Jean know that she was not afraid of death and looked forward to seeing those who went before her, most of all her beloved Kenny. If Jean were here to speak to us, she would remind everyone to trust God--always-- because He makes no mistakes. The family will receive friends at the Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home (3453 Heatherdowns Blvd. at Byrne Rd.) on Friday, January 13, 2012, from 2-8 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Jean's life and God's faithfulness to her will be held at First Alliance Church (2201 Monroe St.) on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at 11 a.m. Friends may also attend viewing prior to the service at First Alliance Church beginning at 10 a.m. Jean's pastor and close family friend, Rev. Keith Sholl, will conduct the service and internment will immediately follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery. All family and friends are invited to attend. Jean's family suggests that any memorials in her name be given to First Alliance Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio in lieu of flowers.

Visitation Details

Friday, January 13th, 2012 2:00pm - 8:00pm, Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home

Saturday, January 14th, 2012 10:00am - 11:00am, First Alliance Church

Service Information

Saturday, January 14th, 2012 11:00am, First Alliance Church

Interment Details

Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery