Ralph Henry Kurtz, 80, of Darmstadt, IL; born on May 10, 1937 in Todds Mill, IL; passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at his home. Mr. Kurtz was a electrical lineman, professional tree trimmer and a farmer. He was a member of St. Agatha Catholic Church. Ralph enjoyed camping and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Joseph and Clara, nee Wrzesniewski, Kurtz. One daughter – Nancy Renth. Two grandchildren – Allan Kurtz, Jr. and Baby Kurtz. Three brothers and three sisters.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife – Alice, nee Range, Kurtz whom he married on April 7, 1961 at St. Agatha Catholic Church. His children – Michael (Regina) Kurtz, Sr. of New Athens, IL; Annette (Jeff) Leonhardt of Marissa, IL; Richard (Becky) Kurtz of Darmstadt, IL; Allan (Wendy) Kurtz of Oakdale, IL; Edmund (Cheri) Kurtz of Venedy, IL; Lawrence (Erica) Kurtz of Sparta, IL; Charles (Erin) Kurtz of Okawville, IL. His grandchildren – Michael (Heather) Kurtz, Jr.; Jill (Greg) Sindel; Joseph (Melissa) Kurtz; Zachary (Brittany) Kurtz; Bradley (Jeana) Kurtz; Jessica (Nick) Weber; Ashley (Josh) Cumer; Kody (Hillary Schuette – fiance) Kurtz; Heather Renth; Hollie Renth; Hannah Renth; Clara (Eric) Dressler; Cole Kurtz; Levi Kurtz; Loughlyn Kurtz; Lawson Kurtz; Evelyn Kurtz. Thirteen great-grandchildren. One sister – Barbara (John) Easter of Oakville, MO. One brother-in-law – Cecil Rogers of Orlando, FL. Two sisters- in-law – Edna Dintelman of St. Libory, IL; Betty Winter of St. Libory, IL.

Memorials may be made to in the form of Masses, to Vitas Hospice or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m.) and on Monday, September 25, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m..

Funeral: A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL on Monday, September 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Mark Reyling officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held in St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery in New Athens, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 4:49 pm

   Dear Uncle Ralph, We will miss you and all of the wild and crazy things you do. You may not be able to entertain us here but I am so sure mom and the rest of the family are getting a chance to enjoy you up there. I love you and will cherish all my stories about you. You were a great brother to my mom and I thank you for that. Love ya

   Posted by: Sharon Rogers-Fabris – APOPKA, FL – family Sep 21, 2017

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2. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 4:49 pm

   Sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing

   Posted by: Nora Koch – High Ridge, MO – Family Friend Sep 21, 2017

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3. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 4:49 pm

   Sorry to heard Ralph passing he will be missed by all who knew him. My dad and Ralph up there talking about cutting trees. He is in good hands now God will take good care of him now.

   GOd BLESS

   Posted by: Josephine Price – Coulterville, IL – Friend Sep 22, 2017

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4. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 4:49 pm

   What a good man. Always made people laugh. He will be missed. So sorry for your lost.

   Posted by: Phil and Toni Hoehner – Family Friend Sep 22, 2017

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5. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 4:49 pm

   So sorry to hear of your loss. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers

   Posted by: Pamela Walter (Broderick) – Friend Sep 22, 2017

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6. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 4:48 pm

   We want to express our deepest sympathy for the family and friends in your time of sorrow. Ralph was a good man and provided for his family and showed his love for them through out his whole life as any good husband and father would. God be with him now.

   Posted by: Dale & Peggy Caesar – Lenzburg, IL – Acquaintance Sep 22, 2017

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7. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 4:48 pm

   Sorry for your loss. Praying for you Alice, and your family.

   Posted by: Melanie Wayland – Friend Sep 22, 2017

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8. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 4:48 pm

   I am sorry for your loss! I did not really know Ralph but he sure looks like my Grandpa Anthony Kurtz! My Grandpa was Ralph’s uncle! God bless the family and May Ralph Rest In Peace!

   Posted by: Dorothy Normand(Amann) – North Port, FL – family Sep 23, 2017

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9. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 4:48 pm

   Our sympathy to your entire family. Ralph will always be remembered for his warm smile.

   Posted by: Kenneth and Suzanne Schaefer – Belleville, IL – Friend Sep 24, 2017

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