Though he spent most of his life in Victoria, TX, he moved to an Austin skilled nursing facility seven years ago to be closer to his daughter. Kurt was born in Littlefield, TX, moved to Dacosta as a teenager, and attended high school in Bloomington. After graduating as the salutatorian of the class of 1975, he attended Texas A&M to study architecture. He left just shy of his degree for a decade of positions in the booming oil industry. In the late 80s, Kurt was ready for a change. He purchased AmTex Sprinkler Systems and became the owner and operator for over 20 years. In 2008, seeking a break from hard labor and the heat, he joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s John B. Connally Unit in Kenedy, where he advanced to the rank of Sergeant. In 2018, symptoms of ALS started interfering with work, forcing him to retire. While this debilitating disease made Kurt's remaining life increasingly challenging, he enjoyed visits with his daughter and her family. To know Kurt was to engage with a man of endless intellect and ever-ready wit. He was a lifelong learner who could speak with authority on a multitude of subjects. While his intelligence made him memorable, it was his evolution into a more tender soul during his last years that left the deepest mark.
He is survived by his daughter, Destiny Aten Olson, her former spouse, Mick Olson; their children, Jennifer Elliott Curtain (Joey Curtain), J Luis Olson (Makayla Olson), Grayson Elliott Olson (Ben Moulton), and Michael Alan Olson III (Anica Nichols); four great-grandchildren, Alan, Harper, Chelsea, and Dean; his former wife, Sherry Aten; cousin, Kathy Sadler; and great-aunt, Billie Beane.
Kurt is preceded in death by his parents, L.D. and Jennie Aten; his brother Monty; and his niece, Amy Aten.
A memorial service is currently being planned for the end of May or early June, in Austin. Check back here for updates.
