Alexandria "Alex" Anne Kurtz

Alexandria Anne Kurtz, better known as Alex, of Indianapolis, hung up her chef’s coat for the last time on February 10th, 2025, at the age of 30. Born with a contagious laugh in Lafayette, IN, on November 21, 1994, Alex lived life with the music turned all the way up and a heart full of devotion to those nearest to her. She will be deeply missed each day by her father, Stan, her mother, Cindy, her sister, Katee, and by everyone whose life she touched.

At a young age, Alex spent countless hours in the kitchen with her dad, cultivating a love for cooking that earned her the affectionate nickname “Stanalina.” That early inspiration led her to the Chef’s Academy of Indianapolis, where her natural talent earned her a scholarship. Her genuine passion for the culinary industry grew through formal training, but it was ultimately her devotion to bringing her family, friends, and colleagues together through food that truly set her apart. She rose to the rank of Executive Chef at an impressively young age and, by 30, had already become General Manager of Walt’s Eats & Drinks—a place she was proud to call her own. In a short time, she made a lasting impact on those around her, finding not just colleagues but a new work family.

When Alex was not spending time in the kitchen, she was often found behind the wheel of her Jeep, blasting country music on her way to concerts with her mom and other close friends. Anytime you opened her Jeep door, you’d likely trigger a “duck avalanche;” a small surprise that captured her playful spirit as perfectly as her cooking did. You could always catch her in a pair of Converse—she had a pair to fit any occasion—with her sleeves rolled up to show off her beautiful watercolor tattoos. Each tattoo represented the most important people and memories she held closest.

Alex was the kind of friend everyone dreams of having—truly one of a kind and fiercely loyal. She was the friend who would drop everything to be there for you, whether you had known her for years or just a few days. No one understood this more than her sister, who never even had to look over her shoulder to know Alex was right there for her every step of the way. Together, they enjoyed bonding over a glass of bourbon, which Alex always had to “sweeten” up for her little sis.

By donating her organs, Alex gave others a second chance at life—her parting gift to the world.

Alex is survived by her father, Stan; her mother, Cindy; her sister, Katee; her grandmothers, Denise “Dennie” Kurtz and Charlene “Lee” Blank; her aunts, Stacey (Tim) Glenn, Stephanie Walker, Carolyn (Tony) Pakeltis, and Amee (Russ) Willoughby; her uncle, Tom (Alicia) Blank; and her cousins, Mandy (Zach) Dirks, Brandy (Jason) Combs, Josh (Jessica) Wertman, Breanna Emenhiser, Brennan (Maggie) Emenhiser, Grace Pakeltis, Sommer Humbarger, Abby Pakeltis, Mason Humbarger, Sam Pakeltis, Tyler Blank, and Ava Blank. She is also survived by many great aunts, great uncles, second cousins, and a wonderful group of friends. She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, William “Bill” H. Kurtz and Thomas “Tom” G. Blank.

Member of the McCutcheon High School Class of 2013. BIG fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Alex on 5/25/25 - details will be shared as the date grows closer. The family wants to thank everybody for the outpouring of love, memories, and pictures that have been shared. Please keep them coming. You may send any additional pictures and memories to [email protected].