Joan Kurtz

Joan Marlene Kurtz, 88, of rural Allen County, passed away at her home, on November 22, 2020. Born in Allen County, on March 17, 1932, to the late Lawrence and Ruth (Green) Cox. She spent her formative years in Lake Township, graduating from Arcola High School and International Business College. Marlene was married to Kenneth W. Kurtz at St. John's Lutheran Church of Lake Township, on September 19, 1954. She was first employed as the secretary for the Farm Bureau Insurance Agency, a job she dearly loved. She also enjoyed working for Lincoln Life and Hilger's Farm Market, as they all had a family atmosphere. She was first and foremost a homemaker. Marlene was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Lake Township. She had been a Sunday School Teacher and also enjoyed sending greeting cards for St. John's. Marlene had a passion for baking pies and cookies. Her pies especially were beyond comparison. Marlene is survived by her husband of 66 years, Kenneth Kurtz; five children, Dr. Gregory (Dr. Robyn Webb) Kurtz, Cynthia (Mike) Voorhies, Jeffrey (JoNel LeCount) Kurtz, Jon (Tina Zern) Kurtz and Lisa (Carl) Van Allen; ten grandchildren, Capt. Robert (Artemia) Greener, Doug (Angela) Greener, Dr. Reed (Maca) Kurtz, Madelyn, Logan and Amelia Kurtz, Karl Kurtz, Anna (Luke) Schultheis, Luke and Kevin Van Allen; two step-grandsons, Dr. Jason (Rachel) Voorhies and Justin Voorhies; eight great-grandchildren, Josh, Mia, Dexter, Harrison, Sierra, Jackson, Katie, Kaylei; her sister, Donna (Dave) Middleton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Miranda Kurtz. Due to Covid-19, a private family service will be held on Friday, November 27, 2020 at St. John's Lutheran Church of Lake Township. Burial taking place at Eel River Cemetery, Churubusco. Memorials to St. John's Lutheran Church of Lake Township, Arcola Volunteer Fire Department or the American Diabetes Association. The family would also like to thank nurse Paula of Fresenius Kidney Care and the staff of Eleos Hospice for their care and support. Online note to the family at www.sheetsandchilds.com.