Longtime Teacher, Former State Representative Rosemary Kurtz Dies at 95

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Rosemary Kurtz, a longtime educator, community leader, and former Illinois state representative, died on April 1 at the age of 95.

Born on August 11, 1930, Kurtz grew up in a transformative era for women and pursued higher education with distinction, earning a master’s degree from the University of Kansas and completing graduate coursework at the University of Iowa, according to her obituary. She spent decades teaching high school and college Spanish, concluding her career with District 155, and remained deeply involved in educational and civic initiatives throughout her life.

In 1970, Kurtz taught English to migrant workers and served as president of the local League of Women Voters. She later served on the Crystal Lake Zoning Board from the 1970s through the 1990s, focusing on the protection of the Crystal Lake watershed. Her first elected position was as treasurer of Crystal Lake. At the age of 70, she was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives for the 64th District, serving two terms.

She continued her civic engagement into her 80s, winning a seat on the District 155 School Board at age 85, according to her obituary.

Kurtz is survived by her three daughters, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Family and friends are invited to share eulogies and memories at 5:30 p.m.

A mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 13, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, with burial to follow at Crystal Lake Union Cemetery.

More via Kurtz's obituary