"I had the privilege of being Mr. Kurtz's student at Webster Groves High School for the academic year of 1968-69. I was enrolled in his Humanities Class which was actually an experiment in team teaching. The one word I would use in characterizing Roger Kurtz is kind. The second word I would choose is generous. He counseled me and even agreed for brief period to give me a lift to my week-en job at the 801 building on Skinker on Fridays. (At the time, he was living about a block away from there I think). We had long discussions and his advice in my career choices was sound. I ended up spending the rest of my life in Europe, but I always kept him in mind. A fine man whose kindness was matched by his wisdom. MARK SULLIVAN Class of 1969."
In loving memory of
Roger L. Kurtz
February 6, 1934 - September 18, 2022
Roger L. Kurtz, age 88, of St. Charles, Missouri, died on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 10:03 am in his home.
Roger was born on February 6, 1934, in Barry, Illinois, the son of Carl and Juanita Cook Kurtz.
Roger received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History form Quincy College in 1965. He graduated from Webster University in 1970 with a Master's degree, and Roger had 50 hours of course credits beyond his Master's Degree at St. Louis University, the University of Missouri, and Washington University.
Roger had a long career as a high school History teacher. He taught one year at Quincy High School and for 31 year at Webster Groves High School. He was a dedicated teacher and loved using Art to teach History. Roger was constantly striving to improve his lesson in the classroom to make them more impactful for his students.
Roger was an excellent ballroom dancer. He loved flower gardening and kept a magnificent garden throughout the years.
Roger is survived by a sister, Anna Parrick of Quincy; many nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and grand-nephews; great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews; and his longtime friend, James Kintner.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Carl and Jerry Kurtz, and a sister, Phyllis Hibbard.
Visitation: 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Services: 2:00 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy Illinois with full military honors conducted by American Legion Post 37 and the United States Army Honors Detail.
Memorials may be made to Operation Smile. Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Dear uncle, you are missed already sir. You brought so much pleasant memories to my life. This is a horrible loss for me and my family. Jim I love you the same as roger, thank you for all your friendship with roger.my heart is aching ?. With all my love. Marita & Jonathon. "
"I learned so much from Mr. Kurtz?s class at Webster Groves High School. My life long love of architecture and art can be traced directly to his class. Mr. Kurtz was a great teacher. His class truly enriched my life. Debbie Lambert Fetters Webster Groves HS "
"Roger became our friend and great neighbor when we moved in across the street 15 years ago extending his friendship and offering a helping hand to us from the first day. He was always eager to pick up our mail and watch over over our home when we were out of town. Thank you Roger. You were a good man and a good friend. We will miss you, our visits, our exchanges on plants and gardening, and all of our time together. Sharlotte and George Worthington, St. Charles, MO."
"Mr. Kurtz taught us about the Black Hole of Calcutta. As a joke we put a sign ?Black Hole of Calcutta? on his classroom door. He loved it. I asked him to pose for a picture by the sign for my story in the Webster Echo school newspaper and he did!! All these years later I still remember him and this story! He had a great smile and was a great teacher. Touched a lot of lives. Sharon Spinale Sienaski Webster Groves HS Class of 1967 "
"Always loved visiting Roger and my Uncle James. Roger was like another Uncle to me. Will miss him. Barb Kolton , niece of James Kintner"