George Lelan Kurtz

George Lelan Kurtz, 91, Kansas City, Missouri, passed away March 9, 2016 in his home surrounded by his daughters and family. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 14, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

George was born February 4, 1925, son of Nancy Mae Fowler and George Washington Kurtz. He was the oldest of seven children. George was raised in Florence, Missouri, attended and graduated from a six-room schoolhouse and received the President’s Award for perfect attendance through elementary and high school years. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy where he received the Victory Medal and crossed the equator multiple times, serving as a Medic.

George was united in marriage on June 21, 1946 to Dolorse Marie Newton.

He was a naturalist, enjoyed horticulture, an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the great outdoors. He instilled this love for the outdoors in his four daughters, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a benefactor life member and supporter of the NRA. Bowling was George’s favorite indoor sport.

George worked as a foreman for the National Folding Carton & Tube Company from the time he left the Navy until his retirement at the age of 88. He was a member of the Graphic Arts Union.

He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of 62 years, Dolorse Kurtz. George is survived by his baby sister Shirley Mae Carpenter of Kansas City, Kansas; 4 daughters Zelta Kurtz, Deborah Ferguson, Peggy “Pegerdy” Marshall, all of the home, and Karan “Karan Kay” Kurtz Carmona and her husband Dan Carmona of Florida; 7 grandchildren Lorrie Leach, Christina Hudgens, Dedra Ferguson and friend Cody Smith, Alissa Carmona Bennett and husband Kyle of Denver, North Carolina, David Carmona of Boulder, Colorado, Justin Lee Dougan, Jamie Dougan; 6 great-grandchildren Ryan Leach and wife Katryna, Austin Roebuck, Ariel Welch, Dyllan Donegan, Delaney Donegan, Codi Deann Smith; and 1 great-great-grandson Hunter James Leach. He was greatly loved and will be missed by all.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.