Joseph K. "Kurt" Kurtz, 73, of Grafton passed away Saturday January 22, 2022 at U. H. Elyria Medical Center following a long illness. He was born November 1, 1948 in Parma and was a Grafton resident for most of his life. Kurt was a teacher at Cuyahoga Community College, retiring in 2008. He served in the United States Army during the Viet Nam War era, authored and published two books and enjoyed playing board games. Survivors include his wife Marianne (nee-Marincic); daughter, Katelyn (Josh) Baumiller; son, Erik (Sarah) Kurtz; grandson, Alex Kurtz; mother, Josephine Kurtz; sister, Diane (Tom) Pittman; brothers, Pete Kurtz, Daniel (Colleen) Kurtz Jr., and Jack Kurtz; He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Kurtz Sr.. The family will receive friends Monday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. Christian Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday February 1, 2022 at the Funeral Home. The Rev. Fr. John P. Seabold, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Grafton will Officiate. Burial will be at Butternut Ridge Cemetery, Eaton Township. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com