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Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joseph Henry Kurz, died May 19, 2016 in San Antonio surrounded by his family. Joe was born and raised in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico to John Bernard Kurz and Josefina Osuna Maldonado Kurz on December 15, 1922. As the eldest of four brothers, he accepted adult responsibilities at an early age. After completing secondary school in Mexico he attended Subiaco Academy Boarding School in Subiaco, Arkansas and graduated in 1942. Joe joined the Coast Guard on October 16th, 1942, and went overseas as a member of the Landing Ship Tank, LST 202. This troop landed operations in New Guinea, New Britain, and the Admiralty Islands during WWII. The LST 202 was commended by General McArthur and Admiral Barbey who wrote, "The USS LST 202 turned in a splendid performance against enemy air attacks." He also took part in the Occupation of Korea in 1945. His rank was Quartermaster 2c U.S. Coast Guard. Joe also served on the following vessels: CGTS Alameda, COTP BN/CGTS Curtis Bay, COTP SAN DIEGO, and USS LST 169. Having proudly served the United States of America for nearly four years, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with three Bronze Stars and honorably discharged on April 20, 1946. Thereafter he attended The Colorado School of Mines earning a Bachelor's Degree in Geological Engineering in 1952. He then moved to San Antonio, TX, where he married the love of his life, Jacqueline Hugo on July 5, 1952. He worked in mines in both Colorado and Arizona. He was the City of San Antonio's Drainage Engineer for ten years and afterwards the Consulting Engineer for Armando A. Aranda & Joe Kurz, Inc. He continued in the capacity of a consulting engineer for several engineering companies and law firms in San Antonio from 1969 until 2006 when he retired. Joe's faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, our Saviour, carried him throughout his life. He loved reading the Word of God and wore out several Bibles from constant study. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and, right after King Jesus, placed them first in his life. He will be missed by all. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline Hugo, in 1979. He is survived by his six children and their spouses: Consuelo Edward Prieto, Jacqueline Kurz, Sandra Kurz, John Kurz, Josie Bob Austin, and James Anna Kurz; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces, Compadres Rocky A. Aranda and family, and Gilbert Weissler, in addition to a host of friends. The family would like to thank VITAS Hospice for all of their care and support. Services A graveside service will be held Saturday June 11 at 10 A.M. at Mission Burial Park North. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

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Joseph Henry Kurz

December 15, 1922 - May 19, 2016