Francis Kurth

Francis J. Kurth

Age 87 of Wilmington, passed away Monday September 4, 2006 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 5, 1919 in Joliet, Francis was a son of the late Glenn, Sr. and Mary (Haley) Kurth. Their family moved to Wilmington in 1927 and Francis graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1938. He then attended the University of Illinois. Francis was a veteran of the US Army, having served during WWII. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star and Battle Field Commission, as well as other outstanding commendations for leadership while with the 86th Infantry Division in Germany. Francis also served in the Pacific Theater of Operations and was honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1946. He was associated with Kurth's Market for many years, working with his brothers Glenn, Jr. and Bill and was a former Wilmington Alderman and volunteer fireman. After dissolving the family business in 1972, Francis worked for the Al Baskin Co. and was manager of the Joliet Store until retiring in 1985. He was a member of Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington from childhood. Francis was afflicted with Parkinson's disease for many years, yet maintained his kind ways and never complained.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years: Marie (nee Roou); one daughter Jill Kurth of Westmont, one brother William of Arizona; two granddaughters: Noelle of Phoenix, Arizona and Courtney of Wilmington; one grandson Ty of Crystal Lake; one great granddaughter Olivia of Wilmington; Beloved nieces: Debbie (Max) Glass and Donna (Bud) Lombardi, both of Wilmington; his caregiver Holly of Mongolia and numerous other relations.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Glenn, Jr. and two sons: Michael (1995) and Jack (2003).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday September 6, 2006 between the hours of 3:00PM and 8:00PM and Thursday September 7th from 9:00AM until 9:45AM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow at 10:00AM Thursday morning in Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Steve Bondi and Deacon Donald Dyer officiating.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington.

Friends may sign the online Guestbook available by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Francis' memory to St. Rose Catholic Church or Joliet Area Community Hospice.

Funeral Services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington.