I worked with Mal at Emerson/Esco/ESSI/DRS for many years.  He was extremely well respected, knowledgeable, and loyal friend.  I worked with him both in StLouis and Juarez Mexico.   I am saddened to see that he is no longer among us.  He will be missed by all of us who were lucky enough to have shared his friendship .  He was extremely well liked by the factory workers in Juarez and without his presence I can assure you that facility would not have been a success.  His ability to adapt and thrive in any environment is a rare quality possessed by few.   RIP 

It is funny what memories stay with you.  I remember when I was young, maybe 11 or so, I went to stay with my grandparents for about 10 days.  We went on many excursions, one of which was a river boat cruise where I got to talk to the captain.  Of all the adventures they took me on that summer what I remember most is going each night for ice cream.  I was allowed the most outrageous of toppings and of course obliged.  I will never forget going for ice cream with my grandpa all those years ago and will remember it until the next time I am with him sharing an ice cream.

Betty, to you and your so attentive  family we want to express prayers go with you all for ease in knowing that Mal was such a great guy to have worked with so many years ago & in the annual reunions-was a real shock to us-our Love to his family-the Dow s



Pop, thanks for the many nights of practicing to play shortstop. Thank you for the weeknight trips to Billikens, Cardinals and Blues games. Thanks for your love, protection and the many, many shared experiences – in 11 different countries. Thank you for your unique ability to befriend everyone you meet and make us all laugh. Pop, thank you for being my father!
To my Family & Friends my gratitude for sharing our Memories, sharing our grief and celebrating the life of my dad. I love you dad and am proud to be your son. Rest in Peace. Love to all, always.  Steve.


Papa Kurtz was the best father-in-law a woman could ever hope for!  From the beginning, he and Mama Kurtz made me feel like a beloved member of the family - no conditions attached other than that I loved their son with all my heart.   I grew to love the rest of the family in the same way.    You are all a living legacy, a testament, of their love.   As Mal's earthly struggles are complete, we that remain look to his example of strong character, work ethic, intelligence, sharp wit, and caring spirit.   There are so many magical memories to hold close to our hearts -  the card games, the baseball conversations, the interesting breakfast concoctions, the countless bins organized beyond imagining, etc....     However, what I will continue to treasure is the way that he lived according to Biblical principals.    The shining example he set is reflected in each and every one of us as we strive to follow in his footsteps.  I keep thinking of the verse in Matthew 25:21, knowing that God is saying to Mal the very same thing...  "Well done, good and faithful servant....."     As I close my eyes, I will always see Mal looking at us with his constant, sly, somewhat slanted smile that reminded me that he was humbly proud  of his beautiful family and treasured each and every moment.

I have been truly blessed!
Christi Lechner Kurtz


There are many words that come to mind to describe my Father.  Some of them are: God fearing, faithful, caring, hard working, meticulous, organizational super hero, card shark, funny, fun, crazy smart, and loving. I never hesitated to ask Dad for help because I knew he would always help in any way he could. Thank you dad for being a fantastic Father. Thank you and Mom for raising the two best brothers a girl could ever have. Russ, Steve and I will do our best to take good care of Mom. Rest in peace until we meet again. I love you with all my heart. 

Linda

The years I spent working with Mal were some of the best.  Some of the most memorable times were spent in Shiraz, Iran with a small group from Emerson Electric.  Much of our spare time was spent touring the local areas on our "Russian" motorcycles.  We had a fantastic time enjoying the local culture.  He will be missed.

Ed Smith

As I think back I think of all the things that made grandpa a great man, they are all traits I strive toward daily.  

Grandpa was hard working, disciplined, organized, loving, and faithful. He showed me that with these things a mans life will have order, serenity, and fulfillment.  He did not explicitly tell me these things but rather demonstrated them throughout his life.  

Hard work.  By the time I was old enough to start working, he had already retired from a long and full career.  But even then he struggled to stop working hard.  He mowed his own lawn well, was on active in the community, and served his church.  Hard work builds strong character.

Discipline. I have seen him create a breakfast consisting of oatmeal, spinach, flax seed and a bunch of other ingredients that I no longer recall but also had no business being in oatmeal.  This speaks to a discipline to do what it takes to achieve your goals in life, even if the cost is high.

Organization. Many of us have seen the basement with the organized tubs with a grid labeling system and indexed look up table on his computer.  “Grandpa do you have any AAA Batteries?”  “Well let me check..  Looks like there are 8 in inventory in tub D3..” An organized mind is a clear mind, free of clutter and worries.

The fruit of his love is obvious.  He and grandma just celebrated their 65th anniversary not too long ago.  I work daily on my marriage to hopefully build as solid a foundation as he and grandma have had and built upon over the past 65 years.

Faith.  Not only did he go to church every Sunday, but there was always a Bible around looking well loved and worn. He was actively involved in his church and always demonstrating the fruits of the spirit.  This quality is the most important, because it also gives me the most peace at the current moment.  Because I know his faith in Jesus means I will see him again in the blink of an eye in paradise.

I look forward to that day. 
Love you grandpa!
Mike



My Husband ......

Always sincere, honest, and fun to be with. I will miss him lots!!

Love ya.....

Betty

Thank you Malvern for raising the fine man that I married. What a terrific job you did teaching him everything that made the guy I love.

I remember the Cards games we all went to as a family. We all had so much fun on those nights.

I also remember how you taught  me to play pinochle. You always made me a neat cheat sheet that I could jump right in and play, even when I was learning!! You may have taught me too well.....Women versus Men...Go Girls.

There are so many other memories I treasure that I just can't possibly list them all !

You have always been appreciated, and I love you!

Your Loving Daughter-in-Law,

Sandy


My Dad

This is the father that showed me how to be a Christian, throw a ball, drive a car, understand the meaning of a hard days work, respect others, all of which formed my values and beliefs. 

When I had an issue he was there. When I had a victory he gave a slap on the back.  

Thanks for everything you did for me Pop....you will be missed and I will always LOVE YOU.

Russ

Condolences to the Kurtz family.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family.  Psalms 147:3 says God, "heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds."  May God bring you comfort and peace. 

OBITUARY

Malvern H. Kurtz

27 March, 1933 – 4 June, 2018

Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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