Terry John Kurtzhals, 70, of Lincoln, passed away February 28, 2025. He was born July 25, 1954 in Yankton, SD to Clarence F. and Elvera (Schneider) Kurtzhals. He was the youngest of 3 boys. Terry grew up on the family farm north of Coleridge, NE.
He attended school at Coleridge, graduating with the class of 1972. He furthered his education at Mount Mary College in Yankton, SD, where he also participated in college soccer. He graduated in December of 1976 with a B.S. in selected studies, with minors in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. In August of 1976, he transferred to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to study Mortuary Science. He graduated with a B.S. in Mortuary Science in May of 1977. After graduation, he accepted a job with Adams-Tibbets Funeral Home in Hebron, NE. He worked at several funeral homes owned by the Tibbets brothers in Kansas and southern Nebraska. Terry then accepted an invitation to manage the funeral home in Loup City in July of 1981, later purchasing it.
He married Catherine Mary Achen on May 10, 1980 at Bishop Marty Chapel at Mount Marty Campus. To this union six children were born, Thomas, Gary, Christina, Julie, and twins Trevor and Travis. The couple later divorced in 1998.
Terry was a funeral director for 19 years. In later years, he moved to Lincoln and held various employments. He was a member of the Catholic faith and was actively involved in churches in the communities where he lived. Terry was active in the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, The Nebraska Funeral Association, and Loup City Chamber of Commerce. He actively supported all community events in all communities in Sherman County while living there. His hobbies were gardening, auto mechanics, and classic 60 Pontiac automobiles.
Terry is survived by his children, Thomas R. (Jacqueline Bourbonna) Kurtzhals, CSM Gary J. (Shawna) Kurtzhals, Christina M. (Josh) Martin, Julie A. (Jae) Lee, and Travis J. (Paige) Kurtzhals; daughter-in-law, Abigail Booth Kurtzhals; brother, Wayne Kurtzhals, along with 12 grandchildren, Kohl, Jacob, Lillian, Elena, Gavin, Skylar, Swayzee, Cutler, Raulee, Kaily, Rorik, and Laik.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Kurtzhals, and his son, Trevor John Kurtzhals (2019).
Private Graveside Service will be held at a later date.
Inurnment at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Coleridge, NE.
Memorials to Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, 2121 N. 27th Street, Lincoln, NE 68503