A fine farewell for Al Kurtz

WADHAMS | Community bid a fine farewell to Alfred "Alfie" Kurtz, a family man and centenarian, who was laid to rest in the Essex County Veterans Cemetery with full military honors on Saturday, Oct. 3. He passed peacefully last week having reached his 100th year. A light wind stirred the oaks in the forest around the grounds, scattering acorns and autumn leaves, starting a few brazen chickadees into song. The rain held off in an early October sky intent on gathering clouds. And in this quiet, peaceful place about 100 family members, colleagues, friends and neighbors met to share in prayer, in memories, and in a few amusing anecdotes, the drew hushed smiles, vivid thoughts of a life well-lived. The ensemble stood wrapped in the bright red, yellow, and orange glow of Adirondack autumn. Rev. Fred Shaw, the pastor of the United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, recalled an earlier birthday Al Kurtz celebrated, and produced a bright orange cup he'd kept from the event. His words sparked memories that lit grins on faces of family and friends alike. Rev. Shaw offered prayers and passages of comfort from the Bible, bidding all remember Al Kurtz's life, one that moved lovingly across 100 years. Elizabethtown businessman and Mr. Kurtz's friend and neighbor George Huttig fought tears as he recalled the quiet kindness and positive outlook Mr. Kurtz brought to each day, rain or shine, and the many years he drove to get the mail and deliver parts for Huttig's car dealerships, returning cheerfully to the shop only to roust the crew at the end of a day. The memorial morning rite brought full military honors for PFC Kurtz, who served in World War II on tours for which he earned two Bronze Stars. Members of the U.S. Army funeral guard folded an American flag in crisp steps, and thanked Kurtz's wife, AnnaBelle, for his service. An honor guard from Boquet Valley Post #551 American Legion fired a 21 gun salute from the hillside. One Army soldier played taps and a band of bagpipers honored Kurtz with rising chords of Amazing Grace. The ceremony was lined with Patriot Guards who stood with American Flags unfurled and gave Mrs. Kurtz a memorial certificate of their own. American Legion Adjutant Newman Tryon presented Mrs. Kurtz with her husband's Burial Flag. Al Kurtz was a 58-year member of the Boquet Valley Post. "We had our first post-meeting since February at the Elizabethtown Farmer's Market Pavilion on Saturday afternoon," Tryon said in a message a few days after Mr. Kurtz passed. "I'm sure Alfie would have attended if he hadn't been taken from us. He was a valued member of our post and of his community. We, his friends, will all miss him," Tryon said. Mr. Kurtz had also served with the Elizabethtown Kiwanis for 50 years. Paul Kullman, president of the local group, recalled the tireless energy A infused into their fundraisers and community events, especially the Bacon Burger stand at the fair. "We have been grateful for his service for the last 50 years," Kullman told the Sun. "He was a valued member to say the least. He was treasure." Mr. Kurtz was also a member of the VFW Post 5802, the Elizabethtown Fish & Game Club, and the Elizabethtown Fire Department where he served as fire commissioner. He died peacefully at home on Thursday, Sept. 24, and is survived by AnnaBelle, his wife of 72 years; a son, Peter Kurtz; two daughters, Barbara (the late Joel) Harwood and Ann (Reggie) Whitney; five grandchildren, Paige (George) Saltamach, Clare Harwood, Hugh Harwood, Hanna Whitney and Emily Whitney; and two great-grandchildren, Henry and Etta Saltamach. Donations in memory of Al Kurtz may be made to athletic directors of local schools, Paul Buehler, Griffin Athletic Club at Bouquet Valley Central School, 7530 Court St., Elizabethtown, New York 12932, 518-873-6371 or Matt Mills, Keene Central School, 33 Market St., P.O. Box 67, Keene Valley, New York 12943, 518-576-4555.

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A fine farewell for Al Kurtz

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