11/16/2014
Charlotte Kurtz, 86, died in the early morning of Sunday, November 16th, 2014 at Tel Hai Retirement community. She is survived by her loving husband Mahlon Kurtz whom she was married to for 67 years. Surviving in addition to her husband are her three sons Randall Kurtz, Mahlon Joseph Kurtz, Richard Kurtz, and her daughter Melody Smith. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Emma Piersol, her brothers Harlan Piersol and Donald Piersol, her sister Pauline Dukeman, and her grandson Christopher Kurtz.
Charlotte graduated from Honey Brook School in 1945. At age 16, Charlotte worked in the silk mill with her sister Pauline making silk for parachutes for World War II. She then took a job at the Honey Brook Grange Hall which is where she met Mahlon. She married Mahlon Kurtz in January 18, 1947. As she raised their four children she worked together with Mahlon with their paint store and fishing business.
Charlotte was a loving mother and grandmother. She was generous to all who knew her. Charlotte loved children and was thrilled with each new addition to their family. She thoroughly enjoyed visits from her children and grandchildren. She delighted in having them in her kitchen to bake and cook with her. No one ever left her house hungry. Charlotte always had time to listen or comfort. Extended family often visited them at the fish hatchery and have wonderful memories of their times there. Her love and generosity extended beyond her family. Anyone who visited Charlotte could attest to her loving spirit. Charlotte and Mahlon hosted Fresh Air Children from New York City. This was a program that allowed children from the city to enjoy life in the country for about a month in the summer. Mahlon and Charlotte opened their home to the children and they lived as part of the family during their stay. They also hosted cultural exchange students about 6 months during the summer to learn about the fish hatchery. Many of those people kept in contact with Charlotte long after they left.
Charlotte had many livelong friends who loved her dearly. She was active member of her church throughout most of her life. Charlotte loved to sew and was a member of the ladies sewing circle at Monteray Mennonite Church (now Forest Hills Mennonite Church). The group provided various items for hospitals, mission groups and other organizations.
Charlotte was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many people. She will be missed by all and remembered with loving fondness.
The memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Forest Hills Mennonite Church, 100 Quarry Rd., Leola PA. Friends may call Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 6-8:00 PM at Tel Hai Retirement Community, 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook, PA and Thursday 10-11:00 AM at the church. Interment will be private at Eby Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Tel Hai Care Assurance Fund, Attn: Alicia Guthrie, Tel Hai Retirement Community, P.O. Box 190, Honey Brook, PA 19344.