Obituary - Ralph Kurtz
Ralph Kurtz
1947 - 2026
December 12, 1947 ~ February 19, 2026
With his loving family by his side, Philip Ralph Kurtz, beloved husband of Della Kurtz (nee Bachmeier), passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat after a brief battle with cancer on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 78 years. Along with Della, his loving wife of over 56 years, Ralph’s memory will be forever cherished by his two children and their families: son, Jason (Amanda) Kurtz and their three children, Martina Kurtz; Jenna Kurtz (Lane) and their two children, Zander and Sophia Meier; Jesse Powers; daughter, Tasha Westergreen and her two children, Kaiden and Jacey Westergreen. Ralph is also survived by two brothers, Marvin (Lorraine) Kurtz and Richard (Doris) Kurtz as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Minnie Kurtz; brother and sister in infancy, Gerald and Marilyn Kurtz and a brother, Delbert Kurtz. Ralph started working with Imperial Oil in the late 1970’s, a job he excelled at for decades until his retirement. Throughout the years, he enjoyed travelling with Della to many destinations, some of which included Jamaica, Hawaii, New Orleans and Mexico. Up until 2020, Ralph and Della spent the winter months in Arizona, coming home to enjoy the outdoors each summer and getting camping trips in whenever possible. Those who knew Ralph will remember him as an honourable man, someone you could look up to dearly. He loved his family unconditionally and was always there to help out when any one of them was in need.
“Thank you Papa for the laughs, the love and all the little moments that meant the most;
you will always have a special place in our hearts.”
Dignified Cremation has taken place. Ralph’s life will be honoured and his memory cherished without the proceedings of a formal funeral. Those wishing to remember Ralph may do so through a donation to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1.
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Daryl & Eileen:
Feb 24, 2026 at 04:34 PM
Heartfelt sympathies, love and prayers Della and Family during this time of separation from your husband, father and grandfather
❤️ & 🙏
Daryl & Eileen
(…….’ol farm right next door neighbours…….)
Dennis and Bev Klein:
Feb 24, 2026 at 04:40 PM
Dear ol’ neighbour and friend Della ❤️
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dear husband Ralph. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Elaine Figley Steier:
Feb 24, 2026 at 04:48 PM
Della, So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing, cherish the memories, from a old Neighbour on the farm.
Elaine Figley Steier:
Feb 24, 2026 at 04:49 PM
Della, So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing, cherish the memories, from a old Neighbour on the farm.
Trevor & Michelle Seitz:
Feb 24, 2026 at 04:52 PM
Our condolences to the Kurtz family
Barry & Elizabeth Bachmeier:
Feb 24, 2026 at 05:04 PM
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to Della, Jason and Tasha and families. Uncle Ralph will be dearly missed.
Neil and Debbie Bozak:
Feb 24, 2026 at 05:37 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!! So sorry for your loss!! We really enjoyed our visits on Wednesdays!! He will be missed!!
Larry & Diane Schmidt:
Feb 24, 2026 at 08:43 PM
So sorry for your loss Della & family.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time.
Ellen Wagner:
Feb 24, 2026 at 09:11 PM
My sympathy Della, Jason, Tasha and families sending love to all ❤️🌹
Donna Adams:
Feb 25, 2026 at 09:59 AM
My thoughts are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Anne Westman:
Feb 25, 2026 at 10:29 AM
Della, sorry to hear of your beloved husband, Ralph’s passing. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Gayle and Marla Pawluik:
Feb 25, 2026 at 01:52 PM
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May the many memories you shared with Ralph bring you comfort in the coming days. We wish you peace as you remember him.
Lavern Rita Roth:
Feb 25, 2026 at 02:34 PM
It is sad that Ralph had to leave us. Our memory is of many visits to the farm of hard work and lots of fun of play going to dances, sports days and many camping trips to Elkwater and long weekends at farm. Especially that homemade ice cream
There was always a sparkle where he went, and shine to everything.
Șuzie !May you rest in peace.
You all keep memories close to your heart to keep the heart ache easier.
Lori Lemna:
Feb 25, 2026 at 03:14 PM
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Della and your family.
Frank and Lori Lemna
Maureen Callahan:
Feb 25, 2026 at 03:47 PM
Della and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May warmest thoughts of sympathy help in some small way.
Freda:
Feb 25, 2026 at 11:07 PM
Dear Della and family, so sorry to hear this sad news, Ralph was so sweet. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Freda and Harold. RIP sweet Ralph. xoxox
Denis & Betty-Ann Lefebvre:
Feb 27, 2026 at 08:23 AM
Della & family
Our deepest condolences in the loss of your loved one. May saddness be comforted with special memories.
Glenn & Sandra Becker:
Feb 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Della and Family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Ralph. Slim will live in our hearts forever. He is a great man.
Glenn & Sandra Becker
Paul and Rosa Vince:
Feb 27, 2026 at 10:52 AM
Heartfelt condolences to family
Irene Errington:
Feb 27, 2026 at 03:16 PM
Della, so sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. Sending you hugs and prayers.
Cliff sackman:
Feb 28, 2026 at 10:24 AM
I am so sorry for family that was a terrible shock... way too young to pass I wish the best for family and hope all works out for you Della, take care.
Cliff
Thomas Herman:
Mar 02, 2026 at 06:39 PM
Del & Family.
My sincerest condolences on Ralph’s passing. I feel privileged to have worked with Ralph. He was a good worker and was well liked by his fellow workers… I know you have a ton of memories that will help you in the mourning process. Take care.
Murray and Cindy Bertsch:
Mar 03, 2026 at 08:13 PM
Della and family:
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Our sincere condolences on your loss. Always enjoyed working and visiting with Ralph.
Marvin Koizumi:
Mar 03, 2026 at 11:16 PM
Dear Della and family
I am truly saddened to hear of your loss. There will never be any words of condolence that will fill the emptiness of your loss.
I do hope you find strength in memories and the family that surrounds and supports you.
With sincere sadness and profound sympathy I offer my condolences and support.
Sonia Kotelko:
Mar 04, 2026 at 04:50 PM
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Ralph. He was a great co-worker, always had a smile and a friendly word for you. May the moments you’ve shared bring you warmth and comfort. Ralph will be missed by all.
Sonia and Doug
Darlene Wagner:
Mar 06, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Deepest Sympathy to you & your family on your recent loss. My Mom & Dad were Alex & Betty Steier, neighbors to the south. The Bachmeiers were good friends to my parents. Will mention Ralph in my prayers🙏