Lurinda Lee Kurtz Obituary (1957 - 2011)

Lurinda Lee Kurtz was born February 11, 1957, at Independence, Iowa, the daughter of William and Carol Martin Kurtz. She grew up in Winthrop, Iowa, where she attended East Buchanan School and graduated with the class of 1975. Working for various employers, which included Fairchild Feed and Supply in Winthrop, "Rin" most recently was employed as a supervisor for Ashley Industries in Oelwein, Iowa. She lived with Chris "Gumby" Murphy in Winthrop, until they moved to their riverside home in the Independence, Iowa, area. Throughout her life, Rin had a zest for living, using her many talents to remodel her home, singing karaoke songs, driving her 1972 Chevelle, and road tripping to casinos. "The Boys", her Golden Retrievers dogs named Chance and Lucky, were her constant companions as they enjoyed nature, camping, and running along the river. Rin was proud to be a Godmother to Candace Wurster, Brock Severson, and Kaitlyn Phlagman. Her most important times were those spent with her beloved family, laughing and making precious and loving memories that will last a lifetime. At the age of 54, Lurinda "Rin" Kurtz entered into her eternal rest on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Preceding her in death were her grandparents: Sherman and Ethel Martin, and John and Faye Kurtz. Survivors include her life partner, Chris "Gumby" Murphy of Independence, IA; "The Boys": Chance and Lucky; three daughters: Heidi Magsamen and Heather (Neil) Eager, both of Independence; and Erin (Matt) Kratochvil of Fort Myers, FL; six grandchildren: Annabelle Magsamen, Amelia and Claire Eager, Christopher Stramel, and Samantha and Emma Kratochvil; parents, William "Bill" (Mary) Kurtz of Winthrop and Carol Kurtz of Independence; sister, Kenda (Delbert) Thompson of Winthrop; niece, Candace (Brad) Wurster of Spencer, IA and nephews, Mitchell and Preston Thompson of Jesup, IA; and many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be from 3 P.M. until 8 P.M. Friday, May 20, 2011, at the Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop and after 10 A.M. Saturday at Fawcett's. A Celebration of Rin's Life will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 21, 2011, at St. Patrick's Church in Winthrop, with Pastor Dean Schlitter and Pastor Ginny Bass, officiating. Music will be provided by Tom Severson, guitarist. Casketbearers will be: Neil Eager, Kenny Devries, Tim Fairchild, Tom Severson, Brad Crawford, Russ Marshall, and Joe O'Brien. Honorary Casketbearers will be: Brad and Candace Wurster; Mitchell and Preston Thompson; Heidi and Annabelle Magsamen; Heather, Amelia, and Claire Eager; Erin, Samantha, and Emma Kratochvil; Christopher Stramel, Nancy Murphy, Jill Severson, Peggy Fettgether, and Glenda Grimm. Graveside services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 23, 2011, at Fremont Township Cemetery north of Winthrop.