Lawrence Kurth

Rev. Lawrence Richard Kurth, of Paola, Kansas, born November 25, 1918 passed on December 4, 2017 at the age of 99 in his home surrounded by his family. Born in Weatherford, Oklahoma to Alma and Adolf Kurth, he grew up in many parsonages across Kansas being the son of a preacher. He met the love of his life Ethelda Hotze at church camp in 1939. They married on December 27, 1941 and had 3 children together. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2016. He taught school in Dow City, Iowa and was then drafted into the service in 1942. He served at evacuation hospitals in Africa, Italy, France and Germany. Following his service, he went to seminary school. After graduating. he served in Kansas east conference churches until his retirement. Although, he never truly retired, he was a minister until the end. He was also a dedicated family man, he loved his family very much. He was the best father and grandparent you could have asked for. He was so proud of all his grandchildren. He was also the best friend with the best advice. His hobbies included singing, he had a beautiful voice. He also enjoyed tinkering and watching KU basketball and the Kansas City Royals even when they were losing. If you have ever seen him around town he was sure to give you a thumbs up and a big smile. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, siblings Dwight and Dorothy, his son Larry Kurth and his grandson Travis Kurth. He is survived by his wife Ethelda of the home; children Lee Kurth and wife Joanne of Paola, KS and Laurinda and husband Ken of Overland Park, KS; 5 grandchildren Darrel Voth and wife Vanessa of Spring Hill KS, Laura Moll and husband Kevin of Olathe, KS, Jeremiah Kurth and wife Jennifer of Yuba City, CA, Tori DeGrande and husband Dexter of Paola, KS and Ali Wright and husband Joshua of Las Vegas, NV; 12 great grandchildren Brandon, Ashley and Alyssa Voth, Jason, Jon, and Jacob Moll, Travis, Ryan, Justice, and Gavin Kurth, and Karson and Austyn DeGrande. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Paola United Methodist Church, 209 S. Silver St., Paola, KS. Memorials may be made to Paola Methodist Church. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Lawrence’s Tribute Wall.