Clifford Kurth

VISITATION:

10 - 11 a.m., Friday, August 31 at Zion United Methodist Church, 1102 Superior St., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Friday, August 31 at Zion United Methodist Church, 1102 Superior St., Chippewa Falls

Clifford C. "Kip" Kurth, 88, of Chippewa Falls, died Thursday, August 23, 2012 after a brief battle with cancer at Wissota Springs in Chippewa Falls while under the care of Mayo Health System Hospice.

He was born Sept. 9, 1923 in Chippewa Falls to Emma (Lubach) and William Henry Kurth. Kip grew up in Chippewa Falls and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School, where he was a standout athlete in football and basketball.

Following high school, Kip enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during WWII from March 8, 1943 until April 5, 1946. He proudly served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bennington on Saipan, among other islands in the Pacific Theater.

In 1946, he married Delma Larsen in Chippewa Falls. She preceded him in death on April 23, 1980.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Kip continued his education at Tri-State College in Angola, IN, where he earned a B.S. Degree in Engineering. He then joined the Civil Aeronautics Administration, which became the Federal Aviation Agency, where he worked for 30 years as an electrical engineer maintaining various electronic systems used to keep our skies safe for flight, including instrument landing systems, navigation and radar. Kip's career led his family to reside in many southeastern and midwest states.

He returned home to Chippewa Falls following his retirement in 1983 where he resumed friendships and enjoyed numerous relatives from both his own and Delma's families. Retirement also enabled him to rekindle his life-long love of golf, participating avidly as a member of Lake Wissota Golf until shortly before his death.

He was a dedicated and long-time member of Zion United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls, where he served the congregation as a Trustee, a member of the Organ Committee and the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, among others.

Kip was especially proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He took great pleasure in visiting with his family and was always quick to express his pride in their accomplishments.

Survivors include a daughter, Nancy (Preston) Thomas-Stahle of Rowlett, TX; two sons, William (Kathy) Kurth of Coralville, IA, Jon (Colette) Kurth of Johnston, IA; sister-in-law, Myrna Jean Kurth of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Jody (Bo) Crook, Kurt (Amy) Thomas-Stahle, Steven (Jill) Kurth, Brandi (Brandon) Brewer, Marisa (Nick) Lebo, Jeremy Kurth, Dustin Beane, Amber (Jeremy) Charlet, Beth (Paul) Richards, Kendra (Devon) Morgan, Brittany Beane, Mackenzie Kurth; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two brothers, William Franklin Kurth and Lester Kurth.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 31 at Zion United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Ann Scott officiating. Interment with military honors provided by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.

Memorials in Kip's honor are appreciated and will help to support the Irvine Park Zoo, P.O. Box 71, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

AFTERSERVICE

A memorial service for Clifford C. "Kip" Kurth, 88, of Chippewa Falls, was held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 31, 2012 at Zion United Methodist Church in Chippewa Falls. The Rev. Ann Scott officiated and music was provided by organist, Jackie Gibbs and vocalist, Doug Parker.

Interment with military honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council was at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls and Frankie Rineck bugled "Taps."