Kurt, Ambrose E. 1921-2015

KURT, HOSCH, MANTERNACH, FUNKE, RINELLA, CORNELL, BURKE, LEHMANN, DOLPHIN, OTTING

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/13/2015 at 01:19:38

Ambrose E. Kurt
Born: March 26, 1921
Died: May 03, 2015

Ambrose E. “Sam” Kurt

Like the tranquility of a spring rain over the freshly planted cornfields, Ambrose E. “Sam” Kurt left the furrows of this earthly world to enjoy the rewards of the Kingdom of Heaven. Sam died peacefully in the loving company of his family on May 3, 2015, at the Shady Rest Care Center in his hometown of Cascade. He was 94.

Friends and relatives of Sam may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 4:00 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m.
Services for Sam will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade with Rev. Douglas Loecke officiating. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, Iowa.

The son of John P. and Lena (Hosch) Kurt, Sam was born on March 26, 1921 – the fourth of his parent’s 12 children. He grew up on the family farm, which quickly instilled his passion for raising livestock, tilling soil and gathering harvests.

Sam attended St. Mary’s schools and, following his graduation, as a member of the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving in that military branch through the remainder of World War II.

He was one of the founding members of the infamous “Bachelor’s Club.” While at a dance in nearby Worthington, Sam met the love of his life – Theresa Manternach – and the couple was united in marriage on August 17, 1948, at the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Cascade.

Sam and “Tessie” began farming on their own, while she also served on the original nursing staff at the Shady Rest when it opened in 1972. Together, Sam and Tessie joyfully welcomed the arrivals of their five children – John, Maryann, Tom, Salli and Peggy.

Sam and Tessie lived on the farm until 1998, when they sold it to their nephew, Peter Kurt. Tessie passed away on November 16 of that year.

Sam enjoyed both hard days working the land and lazy Sundays spent visiting with his family. He preferred short Masses at church and long hours spent in his workshop – always creating something unique and customized as a surprise gift for someone special.

As a veteran, Sam was a member of the local American Legion Post 528. In addition to his service to country, he was also civic-minded – volunteering his time as a member of the former Cascade State Bank and Cascade Telephone Company boards of directors. He was also a member of St. Matthias Parish in Cascade and the Cascade Knights of Columbus-Council #930.

Sam was a calm, patient and gentle man. With humility he accepted his “just desserts” – which, most notably, were his wife’s homemade apple roll, bonnie berry bread and virtually anything chocolate.

Those left to honor a life lived well – with purpose and integrity – and to continue the long legacy of the Kurt family sweet tooth are: Peggy (Kurt) Funke of Newton, IA, Salli (Steve) Rinella of Littleton, CO, Maryann (Ken) Cornell of Dubuque, IA, John (Kathy) Kurt of Prairie Du Chein, WI, and Tom (Liz) Kurt of Ames, IA; 8 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; four brothers, Melvin (Lavonne) Kurt, Carl Kurt, and Leon (Trudy) Kurt all of Cascade, IA; a sister, Eleanor Burke of Bernard, IA; and a brother-in-law, Bill (Joan) Lehmann of Epworth.

Sam was preceded in death by:his parents; his wife, Theresa “Tess” Kurt; brothers, Herbert, Fred, Andrew and Joe Kurt; sisters, Mary Dolphin, Anna Mae Lehmann and Margaret Ann Otting; Sisters-in-laws, Alvina Kurt, Mary Lou Kurt, Dorothy “Dottie” Kurt and Jane Kurt; and brother-in-laws, Ralph Otting, Pat Burke and Wilfred Dolphin.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

Memorials for Sam may be given to the Cascade Ambulance Services, Shady Rest
Care Center or Hospice of Dubuque ~ The Des Moines Register Legacy, Des Moines, Iowa 11 May, 2015