W. Kurtz Sears, 83, of Decatur NE

W. KURTZ SEARS, was born March 12, 1931, in rural Decatur, Nebraska, to Willis “Bill” and Loretta “Toots” (Akins) Sears. He passed away Sunday, February 1, 2015 at his home in Decatur, after a short illness.

Kurtz attended school at Elm Creek and Lyons. He graduated from Omaha Technical High School in 1949, and later attended the University of Omaha.

He married Barbara Jean Adams. They lived in Omaha, Nebraska until they moved to the family farm in Elm Creek Valley, southwest of Decatur in 1952. They spent the next 12 years farming and raising their five children.

Kurtz was the owner of Hungry’s bar in Decatur for 35 years, farmed with his sons on the family farm, and owned and operated Floor Maintenance and Paper Supply in Norfolk, Nebraska with his daughter until his death.

Kurtz was an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy. He spent 30 years as, and was a current board member of the Nebraska Licensed Beverage Association. He was also a member of both the West Point and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

He liked to fly his plane in his younger years, spend time with family and friends, and travel at a moment’s notice, if he could.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; sister, MaryAnn (Sears) Harral; parents; one granddaughter.

He is survived by three sons, Mike (Debbie) Sears, of Dakota City, NE, Pat (Brenda) Sears, of Decatur, Tim Sears, of Decatur; two daughters, Jackie (Matt) Worley, of Decatur, Cathy (Alan) Hammer, of Wakefield, NE; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, February 6, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur, with Rev. Mark Tomasiewicz, Celebrant.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE:  Thursday, 5-8 p.m., with family present at The Green Lantern in Decatur.

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Decatur Museum..

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

W. Kurtz Sears