Genevieve M. (nee Kirmse) Kurtz, 91, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2016, at the Kathy Hospice in the town of Polk. She was the beloved wife of the late Clarence R. Kurtz and the mother of Roland (Eileen) Kurtz, Carol (Joe) Waters, Kenneth (Gail) Kurtz, Julie Ann (David) Taylor and a very special niece, Dawn (Jim) Goad. She was born on April 12, 1925, to Elmer and Julia Kirmse. She was united in marriage to Clarence R. Kurtz at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newburg on April 15, 1944.
Genevieve, known to everyone as Jennie, was very involved in the 4-H program. She was the leader in the Foods and Nutrition Program. Jennie and Clarence also owned and operated “The Country Collectibles Antique Shop” next to their home. She was a past member of the St. John’s Ladies Auxiliary. She had a servant’s heart and never asked for anything and always there to help. Mom loved to yodel and sing at the polka parties and left wonderful memories for everyone who heard her.
Survivors also include her grandchildren, Cheryl (Cory) Castaneda, Kari (Bert) Diver, Josh Kurtz, Jennifer (Mike) Moldenhauer, Joe (Jill) Waters, Chris (Jenn) Waters and Matthew (Patti) Kurtz. She also has 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Brothers, Eugene (Marilyn) Kirmse, Robert (Loretta) Kirmse, Jack (Carol) Kirmse, Mary Lou (Clyde) Gerner and Susie Kirmse; survived by many nieces and nephews and many good friends. She left us all with wonderful memories to cherish.
Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; her parents, Elmer and Julia Kirmse; her brothers and sisters, Ethel Herriges, Winnable Race, Blanche Battermann, Myrtle Wilkens, Ray Kirmse, and Orville Kirmse; a grandson-in-law, Joe Davidson.
A funeral service for Genevieve will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2016, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newburg. Rev. Kurt Schaser will officiate and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Genevieve’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Memorials to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newburg or to the charity of your choice in memory of Genevieve is appreciated.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Kathy Hospice staff, also the staff at the MCU unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Annie Schneider for keeping her mind busy by enjoying the polka parties so she could yodel and continue her passion of yodeling and singing for the residents with Annie on Monday night polka parties.