William Frank Kurta

Wednesday, March 16, 2016 surrounded by loved ones and wonderful caregivers, following a long eight year battle with cancer.

Known as Bill, he was born April 3, 1942 to parents Frank William Kurta and Alice Rowe Kurta, in Detroit, Michigan. After his wonderful birth mother’s passing in 1944, he was raised by his father and loving stepmother Josephine. At age 67, Bill learned that the late Josephine had adopted him as a young boy, further solidifying the incredible bond the two shared.

Growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Bill loved the outdoors and hunting. He excelled in basketball, baseball, football and track. At the age of 18 he left home and a promising career in athletics, to serve his country in the United States Navy. For 10 years he proudly traveled the world in service to his Nation. Upon leaving the Navy, Bill was honored once more to serve the people of Oxnard as a deputy sheriff. After a medical retirement from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, he would move on to become a private investigator, until he became too sick to work.

Bill was methodical and well prepared in all aspects of his extraordinary life. He left a note in his files that he would like to give special thanks to his coworkers with the CDA here in Ventura. He valued your time spent working together, weekly lunches, conversations and inappropriate-for-meal-time jokes, but most of all your friendship.

Bill is survived by his wife, Esther; his daughter, Rachel; step sons, Elliott and Daniel; granddaughter, Abigail; sister, Val; brothers, Dave and Frank; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends whom he considered family.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, on Friday, April 8, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the America Cancer Society or Wounded Warrior Project in his memory and honor.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com