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Mr. Kurtzman, hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was a devoted father, husband, and man of faith who strongly believed in equality for all people. He had a deep understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized communities, including people of color, immigrants, and minority groups.
Mr. Kurtzman’s compassionate and intelligent nature made a lasting impact on those who knew him, including Chala Alemo, the founder of this organization. Mr. Kurtzman passed away on November 6, 2014.
Mr. Kurtzman was known for his keen intelligence, quick wit, and empathetic nature, which earned him a wide circle of friends who valued his loyalty and generosity. A native of Rockville, Minnesota, Mr. Kurtzman grew up on a farm and later enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a radar instructor.
In addition to his military service, Mr. Kurtzman was a devoted Catholic and served as an organist at his church. With his exceptional improvisational skills and training in organ building in Germany, Mr. Kurtzman excelled as an organ technician and tuner.
Mr. Kurtzman had a special talent for tonal finishing of organs.
He was best known for his work with K.C. Marrin Organ Co. in Cold Spring, where he voiced a number of organs, including those at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud, St. John’s University, and the large Marrin organ at St. Boniface in Cold Spring.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Mr. Kurtzman was a devoted animal lover who rescued several dogs throughout his lifetime, and became well-known in his neighborhood for walking his distinctive trio of canine companions. Mr. Kurtzman was survived by his close friend, Stephen Rosenberg, and two devoted dogs.
He was laid to rest in Avon, Minnesota, and a Memorial Mass celebrating his life was held at the Church of St. Anne in Minneapolis in the spring of 2015, where he had served as an organist.
The U-OROMO is a humanitarian organization that was founded in 2017 in honor of the Oromo QEERROO generation, who peacefully resisted and ultimately overthrew the autocratic rulers of Ethiopia. The organization is inclusive and has a large, global membership that advocates for human rights, equal opportunities, and the preservation of African resources for Africans. It is recognized as a grassroots-based organization that is widely loved and supported.