Tamara L. Kurtz

TAMARA LYNN KURTZ was born on June 10, 1958 to Marlen and Margaret (Bjerke) Emery in Slayton, Minnesota. She received her baptism on July 15, 1958 at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne, Minnesota. Tami and her family first lived in the Kanaranzi, Minnesota area and then moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for a short time. The family later settled in Magnolia, Minnesota. Tami was confirmed on October 7, 1975 at the Magnolia United Methodist Church. Tami attended and graduated from Magnolia High School in 1977. On October 16, 1976 Tami married Gary Kurtz at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. The couple lived in Magnolia until 1981 when they moved to Luverne. Tami worked at the Mary Jane Brown Home as a nurse’s aide in 1979 before becoming employed that same year at the Luverne Community Hospital, which eventually became Sanford Luverne Hospital, as a respiratory therapist. In 2015, Tami retired due to her health. Following a courageous battle with cancer, on Thursday, October 15, 2015 Tami passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage at the age of 57 years, four months and five days.

Tami was a member of the Luverne Eagles Club and Luverne Country Club. She enjoyed riding motorcycle, golfing, bowling, shooting pool and camping. Tami was genuine, welcoming to all and loving to many. Most of all she loved her grandkids and spending time with them.

Tami is lovingly remembered by her close companion, Denny Holtrop of Luverne; her five children, Austin (Ashley) Kurtz of Luverne, Adam (Ashley) Kurtz of Luverne, Ashlee Kurtz of Luverne, Sarah Deutsch of Luverne and Dawn (Aaron) Sandbulte of Kenneth, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Cole Sandbulte, Emma Deutsch, Brady Palaschak, Blair Sandbulte, Rylee Kurtz, Andrew Deutsch, Hayden Kurtz, Serenity Kurtz, Kinley Kurtz, and Jacob Deutsch; mother, Marge Emery of Woodstock, Minnesota; two brothers, Kevin (Gin) Emery of Brandon, South Dakota and Lee (Tricia) Emery of Sioux Falls. She was preceded in death by her father, Marlen Emery.