If anyone is looking into this space nearly two years after Frank went to heaven, and you knew Frank, you understand why I am thinking about him. To think of Frank is to see a great light. If you are looking in, Frank (and of course we don't know the rules where you are now), just a note from a fortunate friend to say we love you, and look forward to "next time." steve doerschuk

Kristin, Family, and Mr. Kurtz:

I often go to Aurora (Rt. 43 through Kent), and I always think of Frank as I drive through.  He loved Kent and the university.  The last time I saw Frank, it was for lunch at Ray’s!  He talked about you with love.  It was nice to catch up.  I am a part of his Jackson family and enjoyed working with Frank.  Our relationship did not end with graduation: my children continued to see him at sporting events around Kent, Cleveland, and locally.  He certainly made an impact.  Hope you are well.

I worked at the Kent State Rec Center as a lifeguard, so I would see Frank often when he came in to swim. He was such a kind and funny person, he definitely knew how to light up a room. I enjoyed my long talks with Frank, whether it was him giving me advice, teaching me about football, or sharing his love for Elvis. He made those shifts just a little more bearable. My love and condolences go to his friends and family during this difficult time. Frank was one of a kind, and will be greatly missed! 

Sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences. Be assured that he is with the Lord 

Praying for you and your family 

Love you 
Lolita 

I remember one day as a youngster  i was having a bad day on campus. I was behind on work, stress in my daily life, then bad practice.. I was going through things, i was caught up in my own head and i run into Frank and he can see the look on my face and i didn’t even want to talk. He asks how I’m doing i said ok and  says hey Josh, It only gets better from here. Every moment can teach you something. I’m learning everyday, “he said calmly in the most Frank way.. Like a slap across my face i realized my problems were minimal. “Thanks Frank”. I smiled, went to the bathroom,  rinsed my face and remembered that moment and lesson forever. 

Thank you Frank for always being a light. Heaven certainly gained an angel. 

May you rest in peace! 


Josh Pleasant 
Kent St Football ‘08-‘11 

I met Frank when he was young and I was assigned to do a story on him. This grew into a lifelong friendship that is one of the best blessings of my life. In recent times, our lunch meetings were at Wild Goat and Bob Evans in Kent. I am thankful we met at Bob Evans three weeks ago. We chatted on the phone May 5 and I left a voicemail yesterday (May 19), not knowing until today Frank was called home. Like so many people, I can say it will be a great joy to see Frank again some day.  Appreciation for all who reached out to Frank. Lord knows he touched all of us. Steve Doerschuk 

Our love and condolences to the family. We are so sorry to have heard of his passing so late.
Frank and Kerry developed a friendship while working together at the radio station during their Kent State college years.  I was introduced to Frank 22 years ago when we ran into him at the Columbus Jazz and Rib Festival and became reacquainted. 
Frank and Kerry could talk for hours swapping baseball stories and analyzing statistics. Frank was one of the most genuine, loving, loyal, and greatest friends we could have had.  Our times together were never as often or as long as they should have been. His memory was like a trap and every time you caught up, you felt like he'd been right there with you supporting you along the way.
Frank was a true lover of people, time together, sports, laughter, quick wit, and conversation. The most beautiful of souls,  we are so blessed to have known him.


My condolences to the family!

Although I didn’t know Frank all that well he was one of those that quickly came across as being  a “great guy” in just a few brief encounters.  

I am grateful for the work he did for the Lord with FCA.   (I met him through my daughter Leah (Shryock) Vance and son-in-law Nate). 

I look forward to meeting up with him one day in Heaven and WITHOUT his physical handicap!!



Frank was the absolute best. He was a good friend, mentor, and just all around good human to have in your corner. His light will be impossible to dim and I know he’ll continue to shine through all the lives that he’s touched🤍

I always looked forward to working certain shifts at the Kent State Rec Center’s pro shop because I knew Frank would stop by to say hello and catch up. I was happy to find him on Facebook several years after graduating and reconnecting with Frank. He was such and kind and loving soul. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed, especially by the Kent State community 💙💛

Wow, this truly breaks my heart. My family and I went to church with Frank and his family in the late 70’s, early 80’s.  Frank always met me with a huge “Mark, how are ya’ doing?”  He truly had one of the largest, most caring personalities that I have ever had the pleasure to know.  You can’t know him and not love him. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to Frank’s family and many, many friends.  I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have known him.  May God bless you and keep you, Frank.  

My deepest condolence to Frank's family and many friends.  I knew Frank when I was at Kent in 86.  He was one of the kindest people I knew. Always had a smile and a "Hi Kim".  I saw him everywhere.  Many years later, I ran into him at a KSU basketball game and he remembered me with "Hi Kim".  May he rest in peace.

He was always so nice and supportive of the teams. 

We have many wonderful memories of Frank. Frank is as loyal as they come as a friend and also a teacher/giver to many. Our girls loved to see him at the pool when they were little and swim with him and have a chat. We all saw him at a local high school game this fall and our girls ran to the fence and yelled his name. - we all chatted for awhile just like when the were little. 
Sending peace and comfort to his family. 
With love,
John, Kathleen, Carleigh and Molly Wiler 

To know Frank Kurtz was to know love. His heart was bigger than anyone I’ve met. He lived life as if he wasn’t handicapped. He was there to cheer everyone else on and to be the support person for everyone else’s challenges.  Frank will always have a special place in my heart. 
Until we meet again❤️🙏❤️

Frank was one of the funnest and funniest people I ever met (and yes, Frank, I know funnest isn't a real word lol). To Senior and Kristin, be very proud. What a wonderful gift to the world Frank was. I'm forever inspired, and grateful to have had Frank in my life. Bless all of you mourning this great loss.

To Frank’s family:  I was very shocked and sad to hear of Frank’s death.  I worked with Frank for four years at Jackson High School .  My husband, Joe Herman, and all the other coaches knew Frank well.  My children, Mike and Andrea, knew him and would always run into him at the MAC tourney each spring in Cleveland (they last saw him in March this year).  Two year ago (this July), Andrea and I met Frank for lunch in Kent.  It was nice catching up. Please know I am thinking of you; may the memories you have of Frank bring you peace and comfort in the days to come.  I know he was an unforgettable person.

My Dad Todd knew Frank through the Big Brothers program and I got to know him at a fairly young age. Frank was one of the nicest guys I ever met. He took the time to get to know you and he cared deeply about people. He was there for me my freshman year when I went to Kent state and I am forever grateful for everything he did for me and the memories we got to share together. I will deeply miss him and always think about him when I’m at Kent state university. Rest In peace Frank     

Frankie lived his entire life battling and overcoming these and other obstacles. Yet, it was still a blessing to meet him because he never let any disability or challenge define him. He always was personable, friendly and outgoing. 

Frankie loved Girls Basketball. He used to do several stories on our league every summer and would always find a special story. Whether it was a coach, an official, or a student athlete, he would take the time to learn as much as he could about this person and share it with all his readers. I first met Frankie at Kent State in 1987.  It was so exciting to reconnect with Mr. Kent State several years later, around 1990, when we started our Girls Summer League. Since we were in Columbus and I received a message to call Mr. Kurtz, it was a little out of context. But as soon as I heard his voice, I immediately made the connection. That’s when he told me he was writing stories for local newspapers in Columbus too! How excited I was to have Frankie to start covering our league. 

I have had several people share with me about how impressed they have been with my positive outlook while fighting cancer. I must be honest,  Frank Kurtz was one of the first persons I thought of when I was diagnosed. I remembered thinking, “This man embraces his struggles, obstacles and disabilities his entire life, without losing a smile or having a bad day!” How selfish of me to have the life I have had, and now all of a sudden be miserable with a little bad luck! Frankie would consider any person not smiling or taking the time to care another person, as a person showing his weakness to others. Frankie was compassionate, kind and always concerned with others.  I also know that when I walk thru those pearly gates, the first large group of angles I see will be surround Frank. I’ll aslo hear his familiar voice ❤️

Frank was one of a kind, and kind is the right word. He was the kindest person I’ve ever known, he lit up any room he entered with his smile and love for his fellow man. The picture above is from our Most recent High School reunion, and in typical Frank style he was smiling, loving his classmates and owning the room. I will miss my friend, but will always smile knowing he is doing all those things he couldn’t do here on earth like running, dancing, throwing a football and shooting hoops with the guys! He is now doing all of those things with the Lord and smiling the whole time. Love you and miss you buddy💔💔💔

If ever a life proved the old adage that God never gives you more than you can handle, it was Frankie's.  He took everything life threw at him, chewed it up, spit it out and said "What else you got?"  He was truly a force of nature.  As I mourn his passing I take comfort in the fact that he is trying out his new legs as he walks with his fellow angels in Heaven.  

Frank was my mother’s student at Jackson High School. He had a zest for life! I would hear him yelling my name across the Kent State campus and he loved to talk about my family. Frank will always be one of my favorite people and he will be missed❤️🙏 my thoughts and prayers go to family and friends.   

So sad to hear of Frank's passing. I knew him from Jackson High School. What a wonderful, kind and fun man he was. Praying for God's comfort for the family. 

I work in the athletics department at Kent State and for the on-campus TV station, TV2.  Frank was such a warm presence whenever I encountered him before or after a game or a show. He always made sure that everyone felt seen and heard and that goes such a long way. My love and prayers to the family and everyone else that knew Frank. ❤️

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Frank. He was an extradinary man who LOVED Kent State. I got to know Frank through Kent State football and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. We kept in touch through the years and even came to watch me coach once I loved on and became a teacher. I respected and appreciated him so much. Always had the biggest heart and truly cared about everyone he came in contact with. He will be missed dearly, but his impact on this earth will be lived on for years to come. See you later Frank! Rest in Peace!

Frankie was one of the best humans sent by God to grace the earth. There are not enough words to express how deeply he impacted everyone he met. We know without a doubt he heard the words “well done they good and faithful servant “.  We love you Frankie! Until we see you again.
Love Doug and Vicki Martin

He always had a smile on his face and Loved  all sports teams He will be missed -

My deepest condolences to Franks family. I am forever grateful Frank invited me to come to FCA at Kent and helped me grow my relationship with God. He welcomed me into the community and always reached out to check in. He was a truly special person who always made the effort to support the Kent State Women’s Soccer Team. Frank always made sure I knew when the Cleveland Browns were playing the Minnesota Vikings (my hometown team) and was happy to remind me that the Browns won, I will miss those conversations with him. Rest In Peace Frank, the impact you’ve had on myself and my family will never be forgotten.

I met Frank Kurtz in 1981 he was 16 years old he was my little brother in the big Brothers program at the Massillon Boys Club. He wanted to go to a Indians game so we went up the day after Len Barker s perfect game. He had to sit in the upper deck in the old stadium. He went up the escalator laying down. We had  42 years together he will really be missed by KSU and all the Cleveland sports teams. RIP my friend until we meet again.    Todd Schumacher

For all of my years Frank was a constant support of not only Kent State Field Hockey (& all athletics) but also me as an individual. 

To read all the memories individuals share about Frank and how he impacted their time spent around him, truly is remarkable and fittingly so. 

Frank you will be missed by so many and the community within Kent has lost such a bright light but should be so grateful that we had someone like Frank cheering us on in every area of our lives far beyond our time at Kent State. 

Thank you Frank for being a friend, a fan, and part of our team! You are already missed! 

My condolences to the family. Frank was a great man and always had a smile and an encouraging word. So sorry for your loss. We hope you find some comfort in knowing what an enormous impact he had on so many people’s lives. 

Our prayers to you all!

Eric Oakley & Casey Riedel 

frank made it a priority to visit me during a newscast every year during college. This was my senior year. 
I am at a loss of words, but at the same time I am at peace knowing he is in the comfort of our lord and savior. 
I will forever be grateful for his guidance and encouragement to dive deeper in my faith.  May he rest in peace. We love you Frank. 

I’m so hurt to hear of Frank’s passing. He was literally a breath of fresh air that I always looked forward to seeing at my son’s basketball games. Traveling to Kent for games next season and not seeing him just won’t be the same. He always made time to stop me and all my kids to just have conversation after the games and words of encouragement and praise for Cli’Ron. I’m so sorry for this family’s loss because he is truly a gem. You all will be in my prayers.

I met Frank when I first came to Kent as a student. He met everyone with a warm smile, hug, and a heart full of joy and gratitude. Over my college years, Frank became a friend to me and to many. His heart was so full for the love of Jesus, it went with him wherever he went. I met with Frank on several occasions throughout my college career just to sit down and chat. His heart for loving and connecting with other was unparalleled.  He was a true friend and mentor. For me, and for many, Frank left a lasting impact on our hearts.  I will never forget the impact he made on my life. I send all my love and prayers to his family. 

With all my love and condolences, 
Hannah (Joey) or as Frank would say, "Schmid" 

There was not a day that went by where Frank showed up to our soccer practice and put a smile on everyone’s faces. His presence at our practices and games is going to be missed so much and is irreplaceable. I know Frank will be there with us at every practice and game cheering us on. You will never be forgotten. The soccer girls love you Frank!

I will always remember that jazz was Frank’s all time favorite genre of music! He would send me dozens of his favorite jazz songs and singers of all time that he would want me to listen to 🎶 Let me tell you, he had some great taste in music and I enjoyed listening to every single one that he sent to me over the past 2 years!

After graduating and leaving Kent State in 2022 I kept in touch with Frank even though I moved to Columbus for Occupational Therapy school at The Ohio State University. Frank drove to Columbus in February of 2023 and met me for lunch at one of his favorite Chinese restaurants, Lucky House, before meeting his family at an Ohio State basketball game. I will forever cherish this last moment of seeing him and giving him the biggest hug! He was always a joy to be around and to talk to! 

To one of THE MOST inspirational individuals that has ever crossed paths in my life, words can never describe the immense impact Frank made for not only me, but in the Kent community. From seeing Frank at work & sporting events to phone calls & text messages to grabbing lunch, he was always there to support me no matter what I was facing. Frank’s positive outlook on life is something that has always inspired me & is what I continue to strive for daily. I will forever be grateful for him & the light that he brought into this world. Frank was truly family and will be missed for as he was loved by all. May you rest in peace Frank! 

The biggest supporter the Kent State Dance Team could ever have! Frank had such a big heart and a bright smile that lit up every room he was in! He was such an inspiration to us all! We loved every moment we shared with him whether that was him coming to talk with us at our 6am practices, cheering us on from the sidelines, or even celebrating wins after every game where he would join our dance circle. 

May you rest in peace🙏🏻 You will be missed by many!!

Of the year I got to know Frank at Kent, he was an inspiration to a lot of student athletes and brought positivity to everyone around him! Of the times I talked with Frank was an absolute joy for only knowing him for a year, and he touched many peoples lives with the work he did.  I can say he had a big of impact on my life as well as my sister. He was a big supporter and will truly be missed by many! Kent will not be the same without him! 

May you rest in peace Frank🙏🏻 

OBITUARY

Frank B Kurtz Jr.

November 29, 1964 – May 11, 2023

Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home

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