Thomas William “Bill” Kurth, age 72, of Westby, passed away on July 12, 2014.
He was born on January 4, 1942, to Thomas Peter Kurth and Claire Jeanette “Jeri” Kurth (Erickson), in Madison, WI.  He married Ann Marie (Enos) on November 11, 1964 in La Crosse, WI.
Bill trained in electronics in the ARMY National Guard and then enjoyed working for NCR as a Field/Service Engineer until his retirement, during which time he was an avid carver.  Bill promoted hunter education, and he received an Outstanding Involvement Award for his service as a volunteer instructor for more than 35 years.  Bill also enjoyed following Westby sports programs since their arrival in Westby.
Bill is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Kelly Elgstuen, her husband David (Hanson) and two grandchildren, Matthew and Amelia of Eagan, MN.   Bill considered Bård Brekke to be his surrogate son since his year of residence in Westby as exchange student from Norway in 1989-90.  Bård, his wife May Britt, and their children Morten, Ole, and Lars were all considered family.
 
Also surviving are siblings Patricia (Matt) Schiltz of Atlanta, Georgia; David (Linda) Kurth of Cleveland, Ohio; Mary Jo (Allen) Williams of Green Bay, Wisconsin;  Steven Kurth of De Pere, Wisconsin; Charles “Chuck” (Cheryl) Kurth of Atlanta, Georgia; Theresa “Terry” (Gregory) Lemke of Janesville, Wisconsin; and Mark (Lisa) Kurth of Green Bay, Wisconsin.  He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas P. Kurth, his mother, Jeri (Erickson) Kurth, and two siblings, Jeannie Randall and Skip Kurth.
A mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 400 Congress Ave, Viroqua, WI, on Thursday, July 17th at 11am, with a luncheon for family and friends after the service at the church.
Special thanks to the employees of Bland Bekkedal Center For Hospice in Viroqua for their kindness, all teams at Vernon Memorial hospital and most of all, his friends and neighbors that have been so kind and generous over the past months and years.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.