Service Information
Rodney L. Kurth, age 72, husband of Carolyn, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cedar Mills Township, Minnesota, with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, January 27, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Rodney Lee Kurth was born on January 18, 1953, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of George and Gladys (Pless) Kurth. Rodney was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township. He received his education at District 1769, St. John’s Lutheran Parochial School, and Buffalo Lake High School, graduating with the class of 1971.
On June 14, 1980, Rodney was united in marriage to Carolyn Dvorak at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township. This marriage was blessed with four children, Natasha, AJ, Phillip, Dan, and one foster daughter, Stephanie. They began their journey in Cosmos, Minnesota, continued to grow their family and build a dairy farm in Cedar Mills Township, and later retired in Hutchinson. Rodney and Carolyn shared 44 years of marriage.
Rodney’s passion for farming was lifelong. After high school, he learned Heavy Equipment Operating on the job at Lloyd Mortenson Construction. He went on to work with Lester’s in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, and E&T Construction in Hutchinson. Rodney reunited with his passion and began milking cows on the farm, joining Carolyn in supporting Meeker County ADA and their activities, while being employed at Uni Hydro in Cosmos. He decided to continue farming full time until he was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Rodney was a member and served as a deacon of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills Township. Rodney was very active in FFA, 4-H, and high school sports while attending Buffalo Lake High School. As his family grew, he continued to remain active with 4-H, sharing his passion with his children by teaching them how to show cattle. Rodney learned his butchering skills and talents from his parents, and passed them along to his children so they could continue for many generations. He and his buddies coached their children in community little leagues, was active with the Hutchinson Wrestling Club, and followed his children’s sports through high school. Rodney was on the Board of Directors for Cenex-Hutchinson Co-op, the Western Co-op Transport Association of Montevideo, Minnesota, and the Cedar Mills Rod and Gun Club.
Rodney enjoyed being outdoors, fishing (especially ice fishing), and hunting all types of game. He loved bowling, playing cards, modified softball, participating in and attending demo derbies and following family and friends wrestling. Rodney cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
Rodney passed away peacefully, holding his wife’s hand, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 72 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Rodney is survived by his:
Wife, Carolyn Kurth of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Natasha Thompson and her husband, Seth of Silver Lake, MN,
AJ Kurth and his wife, Andrea of Hutchinson, MN,
Phillip Kurth and his wife, Alyssa of Hutchinson, MN,
Dan Kurth and his wife, Ally of Hutchinson, MN,
Stephanie Mielke of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Aceson, Axton, and Akley Kurth, Jaxson and Maddox Kurth, Lexy and Jameson Kurth, Kourtney and PJ Mielke;
Siblings, LeRoy Kurth and his wife, Susan of Stewart, MN,
Richard Kurth and his wife, Nancy of Stewart, MN,
Leonard Kurth and his wife, Janice of New Ulm, MN,
Marilyn Rusch and her husband, David of Hutchinson, MN,
Julie Kurth (sister-in-law) of Stewart, MN;
Mary Southwood of Chaska, MN,
Randy Kurth and his wife, Tracy of Stewart, MN,
Linda Esser of and her husband, Chuck of Stewart, MN,
Lorie Kirtz and her husband, Doug of Hector, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Rodney is preceded in death by his Parents, George and Gladys Kurth; Father- and Mother-in-law, Jim and Marian Dvorak; Brother, Robert Kurth.
The family of Rodney would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and kindness in this time of sorrow. Your support has been and will continue to be welcomed. Our faith in God is that he would continue to provide people like you in our lives to help us along this journey.
Doug and Julie (Benson) Fett says
Carolyn, Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
Diane Christensen says
So Sorry to hear of Rodney passing. Family’s and Friends.
Mike Smithers says
Our sincere condolences to all of the Kurth family.
Lori palmer says
Thoughts and prayers are with you Carolyn. Lori palmer and jeff linden
Jeff Linden & Lori Palmer says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Carol.
CindyKarg says
Carolyn and Family, with heartfelt sympathy to you all. May you find comfort and strength in all the wonderful memories. Sending hugs and prayers your way! Cindy&Todd
Pam Hahn says
RIP Rodney L. kurth, your finally home with your heavenly father.
Your graduating class of 71′
Pamela Piehl says
My heart goes out to you, Carolyn and family!! I will always remember in the younger years when the Corvuso Go-Getters 4-H had a ball game against the Cedar Mills 4-H, where I first met Rodney. What a super nice guy!! Hugs to you!! Pam
Mark Wendorff says
Dan, just want to let you know I’m thinking of you and your family. We’ve talked alot when you’ve come to the elevator at BL so you know I totally understand. Just know it might not sound right but he is finally at peace. Thinking of you,Mark
Bonnie Karl says
Carolyn and family,
Sending hugs, prayers and love to you all!
Rick & Bonnie Karl
Kathy Uecker says
My sympathy to Rodney’s family. May your memories bring you some comfort.
Beverly Vorbeck says
Kurt family Sorry for your loss
Sarah Mcgraw says
Carolyn
I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Sarah McGraw
Karen Raske says
Our sympathy to Rodney’s family. Prayers go out to all of you.
Randy says
So sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to the family.
Janel Tangen says
Carolyn and family, so sorry to hear of Rodney’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. Don and Janel Tangen.
Stacy and Gary Hammer says
Carolyn, we’re sending prayers and comforting hugs to you and your family.
Troy Kurth says
I give you all my deepest sympathies during his passing. May God bless you during this very hard time. He was a great person.
Londa Bening says
Carolyn, may God give you and your family strength to get through this hard time.
Fern Hoff says
Carolyn and Family, please accept my sincere sympathy at Rodney’s passing. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. May our Lord give you His comfort now and in the days ahead.
Mavis grussing says
My prayers and sympathy go out to the Kurth family, wally spoke of you often
gordy reinke says
Deepest sympathy to you Carolyn and family. We have a lot of good memories of Rodney. Gordy and Sharon Reinke
John & Cindy Mons says
So sad to hear of Rodney’s passing. Growing up just a mile apart I have many fond memories of Country School, Birthday Parties, Ballgames and just hanging out. Peace be with the family during this difficult time!
Renee Bryan says
Carolyn and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Renee
Gary Rehmann says
Leonard, Richard, Randy and the entire Kurth family, my deepest sympathy to you. Cherish the memories.
Jacquelyn Rosenow says
Carolyn and family,
Our sympathy to your family at this sad time. Cherish the memories you have forever close to your hearts.
Bruce and Jackie Rosenow
Pat Dillon says
Prayers for comfort and peace. Sorry to hear of Rodney’s passing. Hugs to you Carolyn and all of the Kurth family.
Pat
Michelle Flachmeyer says
Carolyn and family my sympathy to you and the rest of your family .Your husband was a wonderful man my dad and him were friends .He was in the nursing home when my dad was there.May the both rest in peace in heaven and chat in heaven. My prayer’s are with you .Hugs and Prayers to you and the family.
Loren and Jan Sifferath says
Our prayers are with you and the entire Kurth family. Rest in peace Rodney!
Maury & Mary Bleess says
Our sincere condolences to the Kurth famy. May he rest in peace.
Gregory D BLECK says
Sorry to hear of Rod’s passing. Thank you for sharing this information. He was a fun classmate and always a great competitor in football and wrestling. I’m certain he guided and led his family through difficult times with the strength and good humor he’d shown throughout his BLHS years. He’ll be missed by many. I wish I could make it to funeral and visitation arrangements but prior commitments have me traveling. My wish to all friends and classmates is we could be together to remember our fun times we’ve had with Rod. He was truly a special person enjoyed by us all. Take care and God bless. Greg B
Keith Fischer says
Carolyn and family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Kurth family during this difficult time. I have many wonderful memories of Rodney dating back to our High School days. I hope you find comfort in the beautiful moments and memories you shared together.
Kim says
So sorry for this journey you’ve been on, and Rodneys passing. Cherish all the wonderful memories. Kim and Lowell
Judy Sladek says
Carolyn and family, Bob and I are sending our sincere sympathy to you folks. Bob always enjoyed serving on the Cedar Mills township board with Rodney. It usually was 3/4 the hour meeting and township business, then visiting and lunch.
Bob has been struggling also, so we won’t be able to attend his funeral service. Please know we’re thinking about you folks.
Arden and Marilyn Alsleben says
To your family: So very sorry to hear of Rodney’s passing. Prayers for all your families.
Glenn and Mary Ann Dettman says
Natasha, Carolyn and boys,
Our sympathy to the entire Kurth family. May you find comfort in knowing that Rodney now has peace.
Sharon Skolberg says
Sending sympathy to the Kurth family.
Sharon Skolberg
Kathryn Stueber says
Carolyn and family,
Jim and I would love to express our sympathies to you. Jim remembers all the times they went fishing in Canada together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as the days go by.
Jerry and Pat Hoikka says
So sorry to hear about Rodney’s death. Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Kurth family.
Leroy and Darlene Karg says
Sending sympathy to the Kurth families. May Gods love bring comfort.
Maury & Mary Bleess says
Our sincere condolences to the Kurth family. May he rest in peace.
Charlotte Kottke says
My condolences to all the family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Carla Ryti says
May you find comfort that Rodney was released from this earthly life and is preparing a place for all of his loved ones to meet again. Prayers for the Kurth Family.
Janell’s and Keith Johnson says
Deepest sympathy as you continue this journey. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Hoffmann says
Carolyn & family, entire Kurth siblings & families, sending my sympathy, love, hugs, and prayers for all. Cherish the many wonderful memories of a great man. May God bless all of you and his memory. RIP Rodney
Sharon Skolberg says
Sympathy to the Kurth Family
Greg and Darlene Plath says
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Rodney. You have our sympathy and sending you Hugs n Prayers! I always enjoyed talking with Rodney at the Bank.
David Scott Reinke says
So sorry for your loss Kurth family. I just loved playing softball with and against your Dad/Husband. Always had a smile on his face that I will never forget and he always knew who you were. “Hi David” always was his comment and would shake your hand. Things like that will always remain with me. God Bless you Rodney!
Jo Moldestad Reck says
Dear Carolyn, Natasha, AJ, Phillip, Dan and Stephanie~
My mind knows Rodney is in heaven, free from all the confusion and difficulties he’s had to endure, but my heart hurts for all you have lost these past years, especially after watching the beautiful video you so lovingly put together. What a tribute to a life so well lived, filled with family, laughter, grandbabies, hunting, fishing, farming, weddings…the list goes on and on. Once again it’s proof, God takes home the best early sometimes. We can’t know why they have to leave us, only that it’s too soon. Just remember…when you’ve loved someone your whole life, you can be sure their love surrounds you still~ Heaven surely opened wide for such a good soul! May God give you comfort in your precious memories. Jo
Randy Rusch says
Sorry to hear about the loss of Rodney. My condolences to the family