Paul Kurutz

Paul M. Kurutz, Jr., age 91, of Mayville passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 22 with his family by his side at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Mayville.Paul was born the son of Paul and Katherine (Gruenas) Kurutz on December 10, 1929 in Mayville. He was a 1948 graduate of Mayville High School. Paul then joined the US Air National Guard then was called up to the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict stationed in Madison. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Schmidt on October 4, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville. Paul worked at Maysteel in Mayville for over 25 years and then continued working at TAB Products until his retirement in 1996. Paul along with his wife owned and operated the May Theatre in Mayville. After his retirement he drove school bus for the Mayville School District.Paul always was willing to help his family and his community. He was an active lifetime member of the Mayville American Legion Post #69, where he served in many capacities such as commander, adjutant, and chaplain, he was also instrumental in starting bingo which is held at the post. Paul also was an active member of St. Mary Catholic church in Mayville and coached Basketball at St. Mary’s School. Music played a big role in Paul’s life as well. He loved big band and marching band music. Paul traveled to Pasadena and marched with the Oconomowoc Legion Band in the 1958 Rose Bowl Parade. He enjoyed Drum and Bugle Corps competitions, and in the 1960s Paul was instrumental in starting the Cavalcade of Drums in Mayville bringing many big name drum and bugle corps to perform in the competition which ran each summer for several years. Paul was a timing and penalty judge for many drum and bugle corps competitions throughout Wisconsin. In the 1970’s he became active with the Marquis Drum and Bugle Corps in Fond du lac and after several years became Director. He traveled with the Marquis to numerous competitions throughout the United States each summer leading the Corp. to two first place titles at National competitions. During this time he was selected Director of the Year. Paul was a co-founder of the Mayville Athletic Booster Club, served on the Mayville School Board from 1983-1990 holding the office of president and vice-president, past member of the Mayville Lions Club. Paul loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, enjoying cookouts, campfires, and family gatherings. He was also an avid sports fan cheering on the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Mayville Cardinal sports, enjoying many years of running the clock for varsity football games. He will be forever loved and missed by his family,Paul is survived by his children- Paul Kurutz of Hollywood Beach, FL., Ellyn (Dan Wrucke) Kurutz of Horicon, Janet (William) Tighe of Mayville, Michael (Lori) Kurutz of Mayville, and Anthony ‘Tony’ (Vivian) Kurutz of New York, NY. His grandchildren- Alex Kurutz, Samantha (fiancé Sam) Kurutz, Nicole Wheeler, Noah Wheeler, Jordan Wrucke, Christopher (Jessi) Tighe, Jason (Kelsey) Tighe, Alyssa (David) Sayles, Joshua (Brittney) Kurutz, and Eric Kurutz. His great grandchildren- Hailey, Liam, Michaela, Brayden, Adeline, Kinley, Brandt, Khloe, and Kylie. Further survived by good friend Bonnie Fechhelm, other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathryn, sister Katherine Schwichtenberg, and brother John.A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 1 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Fr. Tom Biersack presiding at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mayville. Inurnment will take place at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Mayville with military honors to be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post #69. Further celebration of Paul’s life will take place following the cemetery at the Mayville American Legion Post #69. Masks appreciated.The family would like to thank Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Mayville and Generations Hospice for the loving care they gave to our father.Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville, Mayville American Legion Post #69, or Generations Hospice.