Thomas Kurtz

Thanks for allowing me to watch the service personally. Tom was my best friend. I'll never forget him.

Inspiration: A simple word that describes Tom Kurtz. He was an inspiration to me, helping me to progress through life to become the person that I am. Tom led by example, with humility and caring. In so doing, he was an effective mentor and leader. Perhaps the greatest gift of my lifetime, I was introduced to Tom when I was 8 years old. My father had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. My mother became a widow in an era when women were expected to have husbands. Wanting to leave the past in the past to start life anew, she found her way to Kurtz Realty in Brookfield where a young salesman by the name of Tom helped us find our next home on Harvest Lane. This was Brookfield in the mid 1960's. Rolling hills dotted by farms. Subdivisions were few and widely separated. Bluemound Road was just two lanes and lightly traveled. I was recovering from trauma at the time Tom came into my life, but I was too young to know that I was recovering from trauma. Tom was pretty young then, too. But he recognized a lost 8-year old kid when he saw me, and stepped in to help. That's the kind of person Tom was. I have an early visual of an attractive young blonde with a pony tail who Tom was dating. He had a convertible back then; an Olds Cutlass, I think. They were an attractive couple in that car. I remember my mom teasing Tom about how long he had been dating Pat. "You're going to lose that gal if you don't step up," she cautioned. That summer, Tom took me for a ride in his airplane. It was a Beechcraft Bonanza hangered at the Waukesha County airport. He let me guide the airplane between clouds and, after we landed, I touched the airplane's fuselage to see if the friction of passing through the air caused the skin to be warm. It wasn't, but later in my career as a pilot I would fly airplanes whose skin became measurably warmer than the air they flew through. As I write these words, I have a book by my side. Entitled "Beechcraft," my copy was autographed on February 23, 1978 by Olive Ann Beech, wife of company founder Walter Beech, an aviation pioneer. Do you think Tom might have been an inspiration to me? Most people might not know that Tom, as a young man, was a charter pilot who had been offered a job by Eastern Air Lines. He told me, decades ago, that he was tempted by the offer but opted to stay home to gradually take the reins of the family business and, ultimately, be home with his family in favor of the nomadic life of an airline pilot. Tom's decision makes me think of George Bailey, the character played by James Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life. In the movie, George had a wanderlust that caused him to want to leave town to experience the world like his war-hero younger brother. Tom didn't seem to be distracted from the course he set and followed through life. I admired him for that. There are so many stories of Tom, Pat, Katherine, Margaret (always 'Muggy' to me) and Rebecca (Becca). I'll share just one. It was early evening one winter. It had been snowing that day. Tom had a Jeep with a snowplow blade mounted on the front. He was heading out to plow the driveways of some neighbors, and invited me to go along. As we plowed the first driveway, the porch light came on. An appreciative homeowner invited us in to visit by the fire and enjoy a beverage. We departed for the next driveway. As we began plowing, the porch light came on and we were invited inside for some camaraderie and a drink by the fire. I think you can see where this is going. Luckily we wobbled safely back, having the presence of mind to pack it in before anything bad happened to the Jeep. That's who Tom was, always on the go, eager to see what's around the next bend, meeting people and helping out when needed. Tom's mentoring style was low key. He'd demonstrate but it was up to you whether you wanted to follow his lead. Tom was a pilot; I became a pilot. Tom was a real estate broker; I became a real estate broker. Tom had boats and airplanes; I've owned boats an airplanes. Tom had a snow machine, but I never did. My mom only stayed in Brookfield for two years before moving me to Miami Beach. I would have looked really silly running a snow machine up and down Collins Avenue. Although we only lived there for two years, Brookfield was so welcoming that it naturally felt like home to me, and will always occupy a special place in my heart. But with Tom and Pat gone, it doesn't seem like home anymore. I emulated Tom, not because I had to or because he expected me to. I just wanted to, and that's why I say he was an inspiration and a leader. 59 years have passed in a flash. What seemed like it would never end, is now over. We are all saddened but I take solace in one respect. I am fortunate to have had a true friend and mentor like Tom, who helped me become the best person I can be. Now, after 50+ years in aviation and retiring as an airline captain, I've found new purpose in aviation safety management. In my new role, I can offer guidance to young pilots beginning their careers, and influence the safety practices of the companies they work for. In this way, what Tom started when I was 8 years old lives on in me. My work today might prevent an accident from occurring 10 years from now. If it weren't for Tom giving me that airplane ride 59 summers ago, I wouldn't be qualified to do the kind of work I do today. Innate in each of us is a bit of immortality, paying our good qualities forward for the next generation. I am thankful that we were able to talk on the phone a few weeks ago. I let him know where my career had taken me. We talked of life, and managing real estate investments. Tom was there for so many of us. He was an incredible man. I miss him and his humor, and am comforted in my belief that he and Pat are together again, freed from their mortal limitations. God Bless.

Another Calvary member learning how to play the singing saw.

Some photos of Tom teaching several Calvary Lutheran Church members how to play his singing saw.

My family was blessed when Tom and Pat Kurtz moved into the house behind us - 53 years ago. They soon became the center of our neighborhood.  Always entertaining- the spontaneous evening pool parties with neighbors were a summer highlight.  The Kurtz “girls” were younger than my sister Carolyn and I but we always had fun with them. Tom would invite us along for Air shows at the lakefront or skiing at a nearby hill where he would pull us up the hill with his snowmobile. If it was something fun - Tom was into it. Snowmobiling, skiing out west, boating at the cottage, and pool parties at the house.   He flew his own plane and was always on the go.  AND HE LOVED HIS WIFE AND FAMILY>>>what a joyful life they lived and shared with others.   Always interesting and ready with a joke or story -Tom and Pat were a big part of my life, not just in childhood.  Pat, Tom and his “girls” were with us at weddings, and funerals.  Tom even videoed one of my gymnastics meets-giving me such a lifelong gift to enjoy. The family was a blessing and asset everywhere and especially at Calvary Lutheran Church in Brookfield. Tom will be greatly missed by all.   The last few years he was completely AMAZING - his loving care of Pat was inspiring.  Tom’s overcoming of each adversity that hit him was eye opening to me - a strong, diligent, talented, determined man.  And he continued to have a huge heart and welcoming personality- “Linda come over and let’s sit at the pool and enjoy.”  After my mom passed, Pat and Tom were concerned about me and even asked if I would like to come stay overnight so I wouldn’t be alone in my mom’s house.  What huge loving hearts they had.  When I think of heroes in my life - Tom and Pat were heroes for my sister Carolyn and I.  It is heartbreaking they are gone, yet their Legacy lives on in my memories, and my kids-who were also always invited to join in the fun at the Kurtz home - center of fun and good cheer.   Thinking of Tom reunited with his great love Pat in heaven brings joy -  they made the most of life and in their faith shared so much joy and love with others.  Now they are continuing that in heaven - I imagine an endless pool party going on up there now!  I can see Tom’s famous butt bounce off the diving board!   Cheers to you Tom and Pat!!! Give Carolyn a hug for me. Thanks for the fun...and great memories. Linda (Skarie) Berger

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.