Homer Harold Kurtz, of Tamaroa, age 80, passed away at 8:30 P.M., Thursday, August 28, 2008 due to complications of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) at his residence.
Homer had worked for Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in track maintenance.  He began his career on March 8, 1943 and retired on September 7, 1989 after forty-six years of service.  He was a U.S. Army veteran and was assigned to Company D. 716th Military Police.  He was a member of St. Mark's United Church of Christ in Du Bois.  He was also a member of the American Thresherman's Association.  He loved being outdoors, family picnics, gardening, and being with his family.
He was born September 7, 1927 at Du Bois, IL, the son of Casper and Mada (Bauer) Kurtz.
He married Ariah Belle Weisel on January 29, 1955 at Tamaroa, IL and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Tamaroa, three children - Harold Kurtz and wife Paula of Tamaroa, Barbara Dugger and husband Michael of Taylorville, and David Kurtz and wife Tina of Du Quoin, two grandsons - Kevin Kurtz and wife Tracy of Pinckneyville and Paul Kurtz and fianc Laura of Du Quoin, two granddaughters - Randee Kurtz and Kimberly Dugger, two great grandchildren - Taylor and Logan, one brother - Kenneth Kurtz and wife Helen of Du Bois, two sisters - Velma Johannes and husband Herb of Ashley and Erma Kwaitkowski of Nashville, one sister-in-law - Barbara Kurtz of Nashville, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, two sisters, two brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, and one grandson.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, September 1, 2008 at the St. Mark's United Church of Christ in Du Bois with Rev. Tom Ellison officiating.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 P.M., Sunday at the St. Mark's United Church of Christ and from 9 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Monday.
Burial will be in the Tamaroa Cemetery at Tamaroa.
Friends may make memorials to the ALS Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
