- Born on: January 1, 1937
- Departed on: February 11, 2026
- Resided in: Waukon, IA
Walter Kurth, Jr.
Walter Kurth Jr. passed away Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026, at his granddaughter, Emily (Clay) Rathbone’s home, where they cared for him the last several days of his life. Walter Kurth Jr. was born to Walter and Florence (Schiff) Kurth, in a farmhouse south of Waukon on New Years Day 1937. Junior walked to country school in Franklin township, then graduated from Waukon High school in 1955.
On September 15, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Janice Grahlman. They were married 61 years until Janice passed away on September 5, 2017. Junior farmed with his dad and two brothers before being drafted into the Army in 1959. He was glad when he finally returned home to continue farming with his brothers. They each had their own farms but shared machinery and rented additional land. Junior started with registered Jerseys, pigs and beef cows. He also worked at the Turkey plant in Postville for a while. Junior enjoyed overhauling tractors and fixing machinery. In 1982, Junior & Janice moved to Waukon, but he continued to share beef cattle with his brother Gilbert and came out to the farm every day. Junior sold Kussmaul Seed Corn as well as helping other farmers with field work. He worked at Huba Huba, and Quick Draw’s convenience stores, before becoming a custodian and delivery driver for Pamida. He then began working as a delivery driver for Hartig Drug, where he was then known as Walter. He worked there 15 years before regrettably retiring at age 84. After moving to Waukon, he joined many coffee crews making lifelong friendships, where he could share his love of telling stories or jokes.
Survivors include a daughter Deborah (Christian) Funk, a son David (Darcy) Kurth, five grandchildren: Julie (Felix) Berger, Justin Jones, Emily (Clay) Rathbone, Jordan Kurth and Joshua Yearous, 16 great grandchildren, a great-great grandchild to be born in May 2026, a brother-in-law, Jim (Sarah) Grahlman, and many nieces and nephews.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Janice, brothers, Gerald & Gilbert, and sister-in-law, June Sweeney. Junior will be deeply missed, but his stories will always be remembered.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Iron Ridge Church (512 9th St. SW, Waukon, IA 52172). A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Iron Ridge Church, officiated by Bryan Mincks.
Memorials may be directed to Deb Funk at 8402 Hemlock Rd., Elkader, IA 52043 and Dave Kurth at 420 Columbus St., Arlington, IA 50606
On September 15, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Janice Grahlman. They were married 61 years until Janice passed away on September 5, 2017. Junior farmed with his dad and two brothers before being drafted into the Army in 1959. He was glad when he finally returned home to continue farming with his brothers. They each had their own farms but shared machinery and rented additional land. Junior started with registered Jerseys, pigs and beef cows. He also worked at the Turkey plant in Postville for a while. Junior enjoyed overhauling tractors and fixing machinery. In 1982, Junior & Janice moved to Waukon, but he continued to share beef cattle with his brother Gilbert and came out to the farm every day. Junior sold Kussmaul Seed Corn as well as helping other farmers with field work. He worked at Huba Huba, and Quick Draw’s convenience stores, before becoming a custodian and delivery driver for Pamida. He then began working as a delivery driver for Hartig Drug, where he was then known as Walter. He worked there 15 years before regrettably retiring at age 84. After moving to Waukon, he joined many coffee crews making lifelong friendships, where he could share his love of telling stories or jokes.
Survivors include a daughter Deborah (Christian) Funk, a son David (Darcy) Kurth, five grandchildren: Julie (Felix) Berger, Justin Jones, Emily (Clay) Rathbone, Jordan Kurth and Joshua Yearous, 16 great grandchildren, a great-great grandchild to be born in May 2026, a brother-in-law, Jim (Sarah) Grahlman, and many nieces and nephews.
Walter is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Janice, brothers, Gerald & Gilbert, and sister-in-law, June Sweeney. Junior will be deeply missed, but his stories will always be remembered.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Iron Ridge Church (512 9th St. SW, Waukon, IA 52172). A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Iron Ridge Church, officiated by Bryan Mincks.
Memorials may be directed to Deb Funk at 8402 Hemlock Rd., Elkader, IA 52043 and Dave Kurth at 420 Columbus St., Arlington, IA 50606
