Richard Maurice Kurtz, 86, of Akron, Ohio passed away February 13, 2016 in Medford, Oregon. He was born on July 5, 1929 to John and Garnet (Sullivan) Kurtz in Dover, Ohio.
Upon graduation from Dover High School in 1946 he joined the armed service in which he played the French horn for the marching band. After being honorably discharged from the Army he attended Finn College located in Cleveland, Ohio. After 2 years of attendance at Finn College he enrolled at Life Bible College of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Los Angeles, CA in 1950. It is there that he met his wife Bernadine Hewitt and the two were married on September 6, 1953. Upon ordination he was appointed to be the assistant pastor of the North Platte, Nebraska Foursquare Gospel Church under the ministry of Pastor Clyde Greisen where he served until he was appointed pastor to the Tallmadge, Ohio Foursquare Gospel Church in 1955.
Richard was employed by General Tire of Akron, Ohio in 1958 where he worked steadily until his retirement in 1991.
Richard and Bernadine were blessed by two daughters, Judge Joyce (Judge James) Kimbler, and school teacher, JoAnn (Reverend Bob) Hoffman. They have three granddaughters, Brianna Laybourn, Johanna (Ethan) Smith, and Joyanna Hoffman; grandson, Brannon Laybourn; two great-grandchildren, Robert and Willow-Mae Smith. Richard enjoyed the company of Tom and David Perkins and Tammy White during the years that they spent together. Richard's siblings are brothers, Gene (Donna) Kurtz, and Kenneth (Nancy) Kurtz; sisters, Thelma (Bob) Thoburn, and Janice (Herschel) Hatley. Richard will be greatly missed by his many family and friends.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016 at The Rock Foursquare Gospel Church 2001 West A Street with Reverend Robert W. Hoffman officiating. Burial will follow at McCain Cemetery near Stapleton. Visitation will be from noon until 9:00 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home 421 West 4th Street which is in charge of arrangements.