Gilbert Lyle Kurth

Gilbert L. Kurth, 92, of Waukon, IA, died Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9th, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Gilbert Lyle Kurth was born on September 2, 1926, near Bridgeport, WI, the son of Walter and Florence A. (Schiff) Kurth. His family soon moved to Iowa where he attended Allamakee County rural schools. On May 4, 1949 he married Delores Irene Holly at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Monona, IA. Delores died in 2006. On September 8, 2007 Gilbert married Jean Ann (O'Malley) Gander at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon.
Gilbert was an ambitious worker all his life. At age 14 he started working as an electrician for John's Hardware in Postville, IA, something he continued to do into his early farming days. Following his marriage to Delores he farmed in Franklin and later Jefferson Township of Allamakee County. They had a diverse operation milking cows and raising beef cattle, hogs, chickens and crops. For many years he worked alongside his two brothers, Gerald and Walter Jr., who farmed in the same area. They shared machinery and always helped each other with major farm tasks.

Gilbert was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Monona when he was on the farm and has been a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon since moving there. He loved music and dancing to old-time, country, and polka, and self-taught himself to play the accordion while in his 70s. Gilbert was an excellent handyman and enjoyed fixing anything around the farm or house, including overhauling tractors and machinery. He enjoyed people and liked to get together with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Jean Gander of Waukon; his children: Dr. Steven (Judy) Kurth of Waterville, IA, Elaine (Terry) Grady of Waukon, Lyle (Brenda) Kurth of Luana, IA, and Lorin (Siobhan) Kurth of Mauston, WI; grandchildren: Blaine (Crystal) Kurth, Brooke (Jason) Troendle, Ross Kurth, Meghan Kurth, Elizabeth (Nathan) Narolis, Chris (Ali Werger) Kurth, and Ashley (Brad) Mathis; step-grandchildren: Nathan (Stephanie) Iverson, Brock (Casey) Iverson, Brady (Trish) Iverson, and Paige (Derrick) Reinhart; 19 great-grandchildren; and a brother Walter Kurth Jr. He is also survived by members of his wife Jean's family including her children Stephen (Peggy) Gander of Dallas, TX, Thomas (Bernadine) Gander of Ossian, IA, Pamela (Gary) Shawver of Wadena, IA, Bonnie (Donald) Cunningham of Waukon, Theresa (Jeff) Magner of Omaha, NE, Karen (Steve) Mashek of New Hampton, IA, and Eugene (Joey) Gander of Bloomingdale, IL, along with her grandchildren and her many step-great-grandchildren. Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Delores; and a brother Gerald.

Honorary casketbearers are Meghan Kurth, Brooke Kurth Troendle, Elizabeth Kurth Narolis, Ashley Kurth Mathis, and Paige Iverson Reinhart. Casketbearers are Chris Kurth, Blaine Kurth, Ross Kurth, Nathan Iverson, Brock Iverson, and Brady Iverson.