Vincent Ellsworth Kurtz

Vincent Ellsworth Kurtz, age 95, Springfield, MO

Vincent Ellsworth Kurtz, age 95, passed away peacefully in his home in Springfield, Missouri on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, of natural causes. He was born April 12, 1926, in Duluth, Minnesota to Henry and Ellen Kurtz. He was United in marriage to Edith Herbst on November 26, 1953. They were the epitome of “life partners” until Edith’s passing on November 6, 2015.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Edith; his parents Henry and Ellen Kurtz; and his sister, Barbara Miller.

Vincent is survived by his children: Mary Sanders of Branson, Missouri and husband Mike Sanders of Hamilton, Ohio; Jennifer Single and husband Jim of Hollister, Missouri; Alex Kurtz and wife Jayne of O’Fallon, Missouri; Rachel Beatty and husband Matt of Springfield, Missouri; and Gretchen Crow and husband Brad of Berryton, Kansas.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Tiffany Kuschmeader and husband Luke; Jacob Kurtz and wife Brandi; Ama Levitt and husband Jon, David Ellis, Zachary Beatty and Ashley Crow; and great-grandchildren: Lyla Edie Kuschmeader, Ruby Kuschmeader, Fitz Kuschmeader, Cecelia Kurtz, and Kail and Tara Derstler.

Vincent was a career Geologist with a passion for researching and identifying the age of strata via fossil remnants of fauna alive along the geologic time scale. His particular area of interest was the Cambrian Period. Life’s adventures included the discovery of a Ceratopsia in Glendive, Montana in 1943 and crossing the Arctic Circle in 1949. Vincent earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Montana, his PhD in Geology from the University of Oklahoma, and completed his postdoctoral work at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He worked as a Geology Consultant for the oil industry in the State of Michigan until he became a Professor in the Geological Sciences Department with Missouri State University (formerly Southwest Missouri State University) from 1965 until his retirement in 1988. In addition, Vincent played a vital role when Photogrammetry was instituted in the Geology/Geography Department. Upon retirement, the Missouri State University Vincent Kurtz Scholarship Fund was established in his honor as well as Vincent earning Faculty Emeritus standing. He continued as a Geology Consultant for the oil industry in the State of Kansas.

A brilliant man, Vincent always strove for excellence. In addition to his career pursuits and accolades, he was a master in cartography, carpentry, woodworking and creating exquisite stained-glass masterpieces.

Gifted with a golden tenor voice, Vincent was a member of the Mid-America Singers. He mastered playing multiple instruments…the guitar, the trombone, and the tuba AND, in his youth, he played bass in a Dixieland Band that raised the roof!

As an avid hunter, Vincent enjoyed elk hunting in Colorado, deer and waterfowl hunting in Missouri and pheasant hunting in Kansas.

Together, Vincent and Edith were passionate…completely devoted to one another, their home and their children. Family vacations and holidays (even if a holiday had to be, as Edith would say, “made up”) were a true celebration of family life. The countless memories will be cherished forever.

Embracing a true zest for life and enjoying the world’s most beautiful places, their travels took them to Russia, Germany, Norway, Austria, a polar bear excursion to Churchill Manitoba, Canada, and a cruise to Alaska.

The family will hold a private memorial at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.

Dear Mom and Dad,
You raised the Mulligan Stew!
Forever in our hearts and until we meet again…