Cover photo for Raymond "Ray" Kurtze's Obituary
Raymond "Ray" Kurtze Profile Photo
1958 Raymond 2023

Raymond "Ray" Kurtze

May 27, 1958 — March 23, 2023

Raymond Kurtze’s journey, brimful of adventure, began May 27, 1958, in Paterson, New Jersey and would guide him from the Great Falls of the Passaic River cross country to the painted skies of the Sonoran Desert. As a young man, curious, and inventive, Ray faithfully served six years in the U.S. Navy. During which he acquired the position of crypto intelligence operator and attained privileged clearance in order to safeguard his beloved country, and accomplishment of which he was very proud to be honored with.

Upon exiting the services, Ray moved on to work as a journeyman electrician for Larry Munson for several years. Due to injury, Ray’s path took a serendipitous shift as he quickly became a certified cross country commercial driver.
This new occupation satisfied Ray’s adventure character allowing him to travel from coast to coast. Ray would often reminisce of his years spent on the road. His life experiences gifted him both freedom and a senses of marvel at the ever-changing American landscapes traversed despite traveling the same ole interstates and highways. Logging over 1,000,000 miles. Ray finally came to settle in the southwest, in Tucson Arizona.
A kind, hardworking who sought to be generous, hospitable, and put a smile on everyone’s face using wit and humor. An unofficial music aficionado, tech nerd. Lover of books, history, his German heritage, the Chicago Bears, and unabashedly, his Savior, Jesus Christ.
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Raymond Kurtze Senior. Unexpectedly leaving us on March 23rd, 2023. He will be greatly missed and treasured. He is survived by: wife, Irene Kurtze; son, Raymond Kurtze Jr.; step-sons Darrell Douglas, Robert Douglas, and Lucas Douglas; step-daughters: Monica Lopez and Angel Wallace; grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Devaughn Thomas Douglas, Ayanna K. Cherry, Rainer, Julian, Archer, Louisa, and Jesse Wallce; sister: Jacqui Elm and a multitude of friends and neighbors.

Revelations 21:4
Thessalonians 4:13-14
Ray’s devotion to animals and pets has been his passion for many years. Donations may be made to ASPCA in his honor.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond "Ray" Kurtze, please visit our flower store.

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