Richard Raymond Kurtz

Richard Raymond Kurtz, 84, passed away on September 28, 2026. Born on August 23, 1942, in Springfield, IL, Rich was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud Army veteran who dedicated much of his life to his family and his country.

Rich joined the United States Army at 18 and proudly served for 30 years, rising to Chief Warrant Officer 4 and serving in Vietnam. While stationed in Germany, he met and married his wife, Ruth, and they welcomed their daughter, SueAnne. Throughout Rich’s military career, the family lived in Germany, Guam, and across the United States.

After 30 years of distinguished and decorated military service, Rich retired from the Army in 1990. He then began a second career with BAE Systems, retiring after 15 years.

During those years, Rich also took on one of his most cherished roles: Opa. SueAnne and her husband, Steven Harrel, welcomed their children, Mark and Kristina, and both shared a special bond with their grandfather. Opa could often be found in the stands cheering them on at their sporting events or simply enjoying time together as a family.

Outside of his family, Rich was an avid golfer who especially enjoyed playing with his military friends at Picatinny Arsenal. He favored the earliest tee time the tee sheet would allow, often accompanied by an early breakfast at Cracker Barrel with his golfing buddies. When weather in New Jersey kept him off the golf course, Rich was happy at home watching a movie or reading a good book.

Rich also made the most of retirement by traveling with Ruth and their close friends. Among his favorite trips were those that took him to military reunions, where he could reconnect with friends and fellow service members who had been an important part of his life.

Rich is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth; his daughter, SueAnne, and her husband, Steven Harrel; his grandchildren, Kristina and Mark; Mark’s wife, Caroline; and his great-grandson, Jack.

Rich leaves behind a legacy of service, devotion to family, and a life filled with experiences that spanned the world. To his family, however, he will always be Dad and Opa, the man who showed up, cheered from the stands, shared his stories, and was always there for the people he loved.