William Kurtenbach

William "Bill" Kurtenbach, age 84, of Columbus died Friday, January 24, 2014 at the Columbus Community Hospital.

William was born November 10, 1929, in Spalding, Nebraska to William J and Helen (Schaecher) Kurtenbach. He attended school at District 53, and graduated from Lindsay Holy Family in 1947. In 1951 he enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Korean War on the USS Kenneth Whiting. While in the Navy he served as a Radioman Second Class

He was honorably discharged in May, 1955. On June 7, 1955 he married Joan Backes at St. Anthonys Church, Columbus. He worked at Behlen Manufacturing for 32 years retiring in April, 1990. He enjoyed bowling,playing cards, horseshoes, gardening and yard work, casinos and most of all spending time with family and friends. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the, American Legion. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, past Commander of the VFW Post 3704, and member and usher at St.Anthony's Church.



Survived by his wife, Joan Kurtenbach, son Wm. D. (Cathy) Kurtenbach, son Terry (Marla) Kurtenbach, daughter, Kelly Klaassen. Grandchildren, Lacey (Darren) Keen, Cassandra Kurtenbach, Micah Kurtenbach, Bill Kurtenbach, Kaitlynn Klaassen, Kyra (Tommy) Dornish, Tessa Kurtenbach and Michael Kurtenbach. Great-grandchildren, Erickson Lowe and Maxon Brezina. Brothers Norman Kurtenbach, Lindsay; Edward (Conny) Kurtenbach, Ojai, CA; Rev. Mr. Joseph Kurtenbach, Ava, MO; sisters Germaine Luebe, Norfolk; Bernice (Kenneth) Arlt, and Charlotte Staroscik, both of Columbus; sisters-in-law Marge Kurtenbach and Arlene Kurtenbach, both of Newman Grove;

Preceded in death by his parents, William J and Helen Kurtenbach, brothers Irvin, Vernon (Swede), and Jack. Brothers-in-law, Don Luebe and Emil Staroscik, sisters-in-law Mary Ann Kurtenbach, Marge Kurtenbach, and Betty Kurtenbach.

In lieu of flowers memorial are suggested to Scotus Central Catholic Scholarship Fund.