Reynold Kurz, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully December 15, 2021 at the age of 93 in his home, being lovingly cared for by the love of his life, his wife Jeanne.
Ray was born to his parents, Fred and Sophie Kurz on July 26, 1928. He spent his early childhood in Cincinnati, Ohio surrounded by a large, loving extended family and at the age of 12 he moved to Salt Lake City with his parents and sister Dorothy, where he spent the rest of his life.
At the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Marines Corp and as one of the greatest generation served his country proudly and faithfully in China 1946-47. He fought in the battle of Hsin Ho. The men who fought in this battle were honored in the Congressional Record on September 14, 2000 for the action they valiantly fought near Hsin Ho on April 5, 1947. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and Ray took great pride in his service in the U.S. Marine Corp during his entire life. After his service to our country he returned to East High School to finish his schooling and met the love of his life, Jeanne Hall, in biology class. It was love at first sight and that love continued to his last breath. They were married on February 16, 1951 and their love story continued for the next 70 years.
Ray started work at Hill Air Force Base in 1950. He was smart and dedicated and worked his way up to a GS-12 position as a Logistics Management Specialist. He led the logistics setup for the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet deployment throughout the world. Although he never mentioned it, due to his modesty, he received several letters of commendation for his excellent performance on this important project. Working on the F-16 deployment team, he spent many years traveling in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Jeanne was able to travel with him to many of these places and they have beautiful memories of being together on these trips. In 1989, Ray retired after 40 years of government service.
Ray was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a pillar of kindness, honesty, and integrity. He lived each day as an example to others. Above all, Ray was a family man. He was a tender, loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He spoiled us, loved serving us, and was always the first person we would call if we needed help of any kind. He was emotional when it came to his family and we all knew how much he loved us. He missed loved ones who had gone on before him, especially his sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Bob Hall, as well as his parents Fred and Sophie and his in-laws, Alfred and Lillian Hall, who he loved as his own.
Ray is survived by his wife Jeanne, his daughter Terri (Steve) Wagstaff, his son Thomas (Patrice) Kurz, his 6 grandchildren Ryan (Shelly) Wagstaff, Emily (Jason) Hose, Lindsay (Ari) Lavine, Jacqueline Kurz, Allison (Shane) Baldwin and Marissa (Isaac) Gifford. Also by his 11 great grandchildren Nathan, Natalie, Matthew, Michael and Carter Wagstaff, Dylan and Dani Hose, Adrien and Simone Lavine, Jade and Luke Baldwin. He loved each and every one of them.
Until we meet again, we love you!
We want to thank Sarah and Melissa at Inspiration Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Ray.
Memorial services in Ray’s honor will be held on Tuesday, December 21 at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park at 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106. A viewing will be held between 9:00 am to 9:45 am with funeral services beginning at 10:00 am and interment following the funeral services.
