It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Gregory Kurtz, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at the age of 72.

Gregory Harold Kurtz was born on March 1, 1952, to Harold and Alyce (Schardin) Kurtz in North Dakota. He grew up in Edgeley, North Dakota, where he attended school and graduated from Edgeley High School in 1970. During his time there, he was a multi-sport athlete and was especially talented artistically in painting and drawing.

After graduation, Greg initially studied architecture before embarking on a dedicated career in the railroad industry, taking on the role of section foreman with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. In 1978, he married Carol Zacher, and they settled in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where they raised three beloved sons. In 1988, the family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he would call home for the remainder of his life. After 40 years of hard work, he retired in March 2012, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and resilience.

Greg had a true passion for life's simple joys. He found great pleasure in gardening, cooking, winemaking, and raising beautiful, highly untrained Huskies. He enjoyed driving his cherished Corvette and loved the freedom of riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Greg was a self-proclaimed amateur horticulturist, an esteemed meteorology critic, and may have been among the last people on the planet without the internet. He loved giving nicknames. If you are reading this, you likely have one. His infectious laugh and gentle smile will be greatly missed.

Greg's spirit lives on through his sons, Eric (Kara) Kurtz of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jesse (Kathryn) Kurtz of Boston, Massachusetts, and Jason (Heidi) Kurtz of Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as his four grandchildren, Gavin, Madeline, Ben, and Josie Kurtz. He is also survived by his sister, Nikki (Jerry) Williams of Lenexa, Kansas, a niece, Jackie (Brian) Hinel of Lenexa, Kansas, and his dear aunt, Violet Podenski of Edgeley, North Dakota.

He is lovingly remembered by all who knew him, especially as he is preceded in death by his devoted parents, Harold and Alyce Kurtz.

In keeping with Greg's wishes, the family will honor Greg's life with a celebration at a later date, where loved ones can come together to share their memories and pay their respects.