Lucas Alan Kurtz

Sergeant (SGT) Lucas 'Luke' Alan Kurtz, a Soldier in the Kansas National Guard and a correctional officer at the Riley County Police Department, died unexpectedly on January 20, 2016 at the age of29 at his home in Manhattan, KS. Luke is survived by his father and stepmother, Donald and Nancy Kurtz; his wife, Carmen Kurtz (Ramirez); his children, Jullian (8), Kaleigh (6), and Leah (4); his grandmother, Elva Kurtz; his siblings, Jennifer Palacios (Kurtz), Andrew Kurtz, and Jacob Kurtz. He is predeceased by his mother, Ann Kurtz (Anderson); his grandmother, Anna Anderson (Lundquist); and his grandfathers, Gerald Kurtz and Sheldon Anderson. Luke was born in Kenosha, WI on June 29th, 1986. He graduated from Central High School in 2004. In September of2005, he enlisted in the United States Army as a combat medic. His duty stations include: Fort Bragg NC, Fort Campbell KY, Wiesbaden Germany, and Fort Riley KS. During his time at Fort Riley, SGT Kurtz served an overseas deployment in Afghanistan (May 20l2-February 2013). Upon his discharge from the Army, SGT Kurtz joined the Kansas National Guard. Luke was a loving and amazing husband, devoted father, and an avid outdoorsmen. He expressed his love for his wife by taking her hand to dance and serenade her in the middle of the living room. His three daughters were the most important part of his life. His favorite pastime with the girls was to send them high into the sky on the trampoline at their home in Manhattan, KS. He enjoyed hunting and fishing every opportunity he got. As a child, growing up in Bristol, WI, Luke was a very independent, giving, and selfless individual. He carried these traits with him throughout his life, and was always willing to take on a higher level of responsibility than his position required. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. A funeral service is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on January 30th, 2016 at the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home: 1317 Poyntz Ave Manhattan, KS 66502. A memorial service will also be held at Bristol United Methodist Church: 8014 199th Ave Bristol, WI 53104, February 6, 2016; 4:00-6:00 p.m. visitation and 6:00 p.m. service with a reception following service. A memorial fund has been set up to help his family at the following link: https://www.youcaring.com/carmen-kurtz-wife-and-juju-kaleigh-and-leah-kurtz-510453#.VqfQ-fpenmw.facebook Family requests donations to: Wounded Warrior Project on Ft. Riley, Kansas Checks Payable to: IMWRF