Earl A. Kurtz

Earl A. Kurtz, 97, of Marathon passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2020.  He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Wheaton Kurtz, and his wife, Delores Welch Kurtz; his parents Chancey & Sara Clarissa (Clara) Kurtz; his children Robert Lynn Kurtz and Bonnie Jean Kurtz Jennison; his sisters Olive Price, Ruth Kimmich and Florence Cornelius. Earl is survived by his wife, Kathryn Tibbens O’Neil Kurtz; his son-in-law Don (& Donna) Jennison; his grandchildren Tamara & James Barrows, John & Carole Jennison, Kelley & William Peri, Deanne & Fred Morrison, Robert Kurtz II, Chrissie (Betty) & Dennis Askew; his step children Janice & Richard Hezel, James O’Neil, Kenneth & Rita O'Neil, Paul & Bonni O’Neil, Patricia & David Thon; his sisters, Lee Campbell and Ellen Johnson.  Also, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Earl was born on March 31, 1922 in Lincoln, NB and always had a fascination with trains and tractors.  He had a strong sense of family and community. He was a mechanical wizard and was always there if anyone had a problem they couldn’t figure out, he usually could.  He started out as a farmer on his family farm. Back in the day Earl worked at Paul Trinity where he was part of helping to organize the Union.  He worked at Marathon Metal which he eventually purchased from Bucky Rice and founded Kurtz Welding, Inc. with his son, Bob.  They employed many community members and built the first fire trucks with Sam Salisbury for Salisbury Fire Equipment.  Earl was proud of teaching BOCES adult education welding at his shop with his son Bob. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church of Marathon. He was a life member and past chief of Marathon Fire Dept., and a past member of several other local community organizations. 

Some of his best memories and stories were of the times he had with his friends and family at the shop, and of his Wheaton brother-in-laws.  After retirement, his brother-in-laws, Leon and Marc and his good friend, Neil Askew continued to work in Earl’s garage on personal and community projects, still observing break time and lunch time and a five day week.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.   Expressions of Sympathy in his memory may be made to Marathon Fire Department or MAVAC.

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