Larry Kurtz, a lifelong entrepreneur, inventor, adventurer, and altruist, died peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026. At the time of his passing, Larry was in his room in the memory care unit at Dimensions Living in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with his nephew BJ and BJ’s wife, Carol, at his side.

Larry had moved to Wisconsin two years earlier, when his Alzheimer’s had progressed to the point that he could no longer live safely on his own. Despite the many challenges of Alzheimer’s and prostate cancer, Larry lived his final years with the same kind, engaging, helpful, and enterprising spirit that defined his entire life.

Born November 29, 1948 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Bessie (Redfern) and Willis Kurtz, Larry was a surprise baby, much younger than his older sister JoAnn and brother Daryl. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Kanawha, Iowa, raising 4-H animals to sell at the fair and participating in just about every sport with his tight-knit Class of 1967 at Kanawha High School. He had fond memories of driving his dad’s John Deere tractor and was proud of his mom’s work as a traveling home economics instructor, for which she was given a Ford Model T to travel between students’ homes. He remembered feeling like the coolest kid in school when his brother Daryl picked him up from kindergarten on his motorcycle. Larry got his first taste of independence and adventure early, taking the train on his own to visit his sister JoAnn in Chicago.

Following high school, Larry began his studies in liberal arts at St. Olaf College. One summer, he decided to see the country from a new perspective and rode his Honda CA77 Dream Touring 305 motorcycle to Colorado and back. He got every mile out of that bike - the engine finally failed as he pulled into his brother’s driveway in Des Moines.

His nieces and nephews fondly remember his unannounced visits, arriving in military fatigues with a duffel bag in hand, always ready for dinner. Larry joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 1969, completed basic training in California, and served until 1975. Alongside his motorcycle and military adventures, he stayed committed to his education, graduating with a B.S. in Economics from Iowa State University in 1973.

Larry began his decades-long career in advertising, married his first wife, Cathy, and moved to the Minneapolis area. Their marriage ended, and he moved to Omaha, where he spent most of his adult life, married his beloved wife Carlynn, and built a cherished and caring community. Larry and Carlynn were married on July 9, 1995. Their ceremony took place at a natural altar among the trees in Woodhaven Park, with a small group of friends and family in attendance.

Larry often spoke of his Second Unitarian Church family—how much he loved the people and camaraderie, and how proud he was of the good work they did to support those in need.

He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, championed No More Empty Pots, and helped plant and care for the church garden. Larry and Carlynn hosted students from Afghanistan, who became like family as they supported them in achieving their academic goals, shared their culture and community, and learned from one another. Larry also perfected a bin system for raising worms for castings, marketing and selling both the system and the castings. He used that “black gold” to produce thriving vegetable gardens at his church and in his own backyard oasis. He was a talented and well-studied photographer, artist, tinkerer and inventor, ready to create a creative system or jig to solve any problem or streamline any process.

Larry’s life changed profoundly when Carlynn was diagnosed with cancer. He cared for her lovingly until her death in 2015 and grew especially close with his brother-in-law Brad, who joined him in caring for Carlynn in her final days.

After her passing, Larry converted a pickup truck into a thoughtfully engineered camper, allowing him to travel untethered by hotels. He and Brad took a months-long journey across the country, visiting beautiful natural areas, historical sites, and old friends. When home in Omaha, Larry continued volunteering, took up sketching, and stayed active with his widowers group, his church community, and the Bagel Bin Boys.

When Alzheimer’s made independent living difficult, Larry moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to be near his nephew BJ and family. He toured assisted living facilities—judging each one by its lunch—and ultimately chose Dimensions Living, even though their fried chicken didn’t quite meet the KFC gold standard. He joined BJ’s family for weekly dinners, lake potlucks, and work projects that included building solar systems and chicken coops, and making maple syrup. He especially enjoyed trips to the small-town barber for a haircut, a shave, and conversation.

Though dementia changed how Larry experienced the world, his true personality always shone through. He was never at a loss for advertising or business advice, always ready for an adventure, and eager to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed ice cream parties, happy hours, and the social life at Dimensions, and received excellent, compassionate care from both the memory care staff and St. Croix Hospice in his final months.

What good fortune we all had to know and love Larry—and to be known and loved by him in return. What a gem, that Larry Kurtz!

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carlynn Hartman-Kurtz; his son Bill Dall; his sister, JoAnn (Kurtz) Welling; his parents, Bessie (Redfern) and Willis Kurtz; two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his brother, Daryl Kurtz (Ronna); his daughters, Mary Evans (David Sr.) and Beth Fries (Cody); his nieces and nephews, Tom Welling, BJ Welling (Carol), Brent Welling (Nancy), Rebecca Kurtz (Doug Smith), Ron Kurtz (Kristy), and Katherine Huffman; his Afghan host daughter, Aziza, along with her husband and children; grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service for Larry will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. at First Unitarian Church in Des Moines (1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines, IA), with a livestream available for those unable to attend. The service will be followed by fellowship and a catered luncheon from 11:30 to 2:30 (Hilton Garden Inn, Lobby Entrance, 6800 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, IA 50321 – note, GPS might call this location Doubletree Inn. That is the correct location).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Larry’s memory to No More Empty Pots, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing food security, education, and economic opportunity. Through advocacy and action, the organization connects individuals and communities to strengthen self-sufficiency, regional food systems, and economic resilience—causes that were very dear to Larry.

Please follow this direct link by clicking the underlined script to donate in Larry's honor: No More Empty Pots

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the Kurtz Family.