Kurtz, Harold C. 'Cooner'

Harold C. "Cooner" Kurtz

Harold C. “Cooner” Kurtz, 68, of Iowa City, died Thursday, March 22, 2012, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, concluding with Military Honors provided by local military organizations. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Harold Cletus Kurtz was born Jan. 31, 1944, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Francis and Aleda (Sieren) Kurtz. Following graduation from high school in Fairfield, Harold enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War.

In 1986, he moved to the Iowa City area, where he began a career with the predecessors of the present Loparex Co. of Iowa City, a career which has spanned over 38 years up until his death. His work was an integral part of his life, but outside of this he enjoyed spending time in the downtown areas of Iowa City, spending time on the family farm near Fairfield, where he worked in his garden, and in season spent many hours mushrooming.

His family includes his son and daughter-in-law, Bret and Carrie Kurtz of Kalona; three grandchildren, Aaron, Paige and Taylor; brothers, Ed of Rochester, Minn., and Phillip of Brighton; sister-in-law, Virginia Kurtz of Mount Vernon; his former wife, Nancy and her husband, Gary Lewis, of Columbus Junction; and his best friend, Loren Potratz of Iowa City.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene; and sisters, Sharlene and Darlene.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at www.gayandciha.com.

Published March 24, 2012 in The Gazette