Obituary: Mitchell J. Kurtz

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Mitchell J. Kurtz

Age 58, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed from this life Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Rush Copley Medical Center after a courageous battle against cancer with family by his side.

He was born on August 1, 1966, to Kenneth T. and Karen Kurtz in Joliet, where he was raised and educated. He was a graduate of the class of 1984 from Joliet West High School, where he was a member of the ice hockey team for all four years and served as captain his senior year. Following High School, Mitch went on to play ice hockey at the College of DuPage and was also captain during his tenure at COD, wearing the ‘C’ proudly. Mitch then went on and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he was a proud member and central figure of the "Ice Cats" Hockey team.

He is the beloved father of Bryce and Olivia Kurtz; dearest son of Kenneth and Karen Kurtz; dear brother of Guy, Brett (Mari) and Chad (Diane) Kurtz; fond uncle of Zoe, Andre, Joseph, Sarah, Sophia, Brayden, Nicholas, Christopher, Emma and his Godson, Leo. Mitch is also survived by Bryce and Olivia’s mother; his godfather, Bob Galle;

and both Mike Reardon and Dennis Vietoris, who offered unwavering support and care during his illness—Mike as a trusted mentor and supporter, and Dennis as a loyal friend and caregiver. He also leaves behind his canine companion, Koda, along with many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mitch's career began in Madison, WI, where he was an account executive with NBC affiliate WMTV. He then returned home to Joliet and was employed for many years in the Joliet area as a designer and sales associate with Brakur Custom Cabinetry and Tri Star Cabinets.

Mitch enjoyed many hobbies and was known as a true outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, and snowboarding, especially in his favorite place, Aspen, with hockey being his ultimate passion. His competitive spirit fostered a 'finish first' mantra that will be remembered by all who knew him.

Mitch had a deep love for music, especially live performances. He cherished attending concerts, particularly when he could share the experience with his children. His favorite band was Led Zeppelin, whose music brought him great joy throughout his life.

Mitch's favorite role was that of a proud father. Never missing his children’s, nieces or nephews’ hockey games, events, and rarely missing practices. One can say that the hockey rink was truly Mitch’s happy place. Mitch’s proudest achievement, however, was raising them as a single father, providing unwavering support. He treasured every moment spent watching Bryce & Olivia thrive, beaming with pride at their talents and achievements both on the ice and in their daily lives, and you could always find him in the same corner of the rink.

A memorial hockey game will be held in Mitch’s honor on Wednesday, July 30th at 8:00 p.m. at Inwood Ice Arena, 3000 W Jefferson St, Joliet, IL, 60435. All are welcome to attend and watch the Kurtz family and close hockey friends come together on the ice to celebrate Mitch’s life and love for the game.

A Memorial Visitation for Mitchell J. Kurtz will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd) in Joliet. All friends and relatives are invited to gather on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 15629 S. Division St. (Rt 59), Plainfield, IL, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m.

For those not able to attend mass, please click on this link https://www.youtube.com/@StMaryImmaculate/streams and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers, and connection are. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mitch's name can be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America. When donating, please be sure to click on the link below and note your donation is in memory of Mitch Kurtz. Donations can be made at https://curesarcoma.org/mitch-kurtz/.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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