G. Kurtz

G. Harman Kurtz, 93, of Clinton, Iowa, died Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at Prairie Hills, Clinton. There will be no services or visitation. The Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig is assisting the family with arrangements. Harman was born August 3, 1918, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of George and Nell (Ruth) Kurtz. Harman was a WWII United States Army veteran, serving as a chaplain’s assistant. Harman married Lucille May Muno, August 3, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois; she died May 11, 2000. Harman owned and operated Kurtz Glass from 1948 until retiring in 1983. He had been a member of the Izaak Walton League, the ELK’s Club, Builder’s Club, Gyro’s, Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Clinton Country Club and Twenty Nine Club. Harman was a gifted athlete; and baseball was his passion. At age eighteen he was invited to attend a Chicago Cubs team practice at Wrigley Field. Much to his surprise that day, he not only observed a practice but had a dream come true. He was introduced to his childhood sports hero, the late great Dizzy Dean. After some conversation, Mr. Dean invited Harman to throw him some pitches as he, Dizzy Dean, crouched behind home plate caught them. A report by team scouts in attendance that day along with a personal recommendation from Dizzy Dean, landed Harman and his parents a private meeting with Cubs owner William Wrigley Jr. At the meeting, Mr. Wrigley offered Harman a chance to climb the ladder as pitcher in the Cubs organization at the Farm Team of his choice. Later in his life, Harman’s sporting passion turned to golf. It wasn’t uncommon to find Harman hitting shag balls at the Clinton Country Club, amidst snow squalls in February and March. A gift from God, his warm and charming personality touched countless lives from childhood until his passing. Harman Kurtz was a very special man, as those who knew him could attest. A fitting Epitaph would read: If every child, boy or girl born to this earth, was raised with a father like Harman Kurtz this world would be forever better. Survivors include his son, H. Thomas Kurtz of Clinton; daughter-in-law, Sydney Kurtz of Clinton; son, Richard D. Kurtz of Clinton; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Clinton High School boy’s golf program or to the Clinton Humane Society. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.snellzornig.com.

G. Kurtz

August 3, 1918 - January 17, 2012