Willis E. Kurtz, lifelong resident of Hartville, OH, died Friday at age 89. Willis is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Hazel (Horst) Kurtz, three daughters and two sons-in-law: Roberta Kurtz, M.D. of Verona, WI, Janet and Pete DeSario of Palm City, FL, and Karen Kurtz and Paul Benedetto of Guelph, Ontario. He was preceded in death by his son, James H. Kurtz in 1976. Willis and Hazel have five grandchildren, John DeSario, Paul DeSario, David DeSario, Bryan Gaier, and Karla Gaier Beasley. They also have 5 great-grandchildren. Willis was also preceded in death by his parents, Ervin Jacob and Ellen Young Kurtz of Hartville and four sisters, Bertha Domer, Florence Anstine, Mary Burkholder , and Martha Wieand. He is survived by a sister, Lottie Wertenberger of SanAntonio, TX and a brother, Calvin C. Kurtz of Stanardsville, Va. Willis graduated from Hartville H.S. in 1938 and Manchester College, IN in 1942, where he managed the photographic studio during his last two years there. That summer he married Hazel Horst, and the newlyweds moved to Chicago, where Willis studied theology at Bethany Seminary. He was ordained in the Church of the Brethren and served as pastor in North Webster, Indiana. He returned home to Hartville in 1947 and taught high school science and followed his father's footsteps in farming for the next thirty years. He continued his life-long interest of photography in after-school camera clubs, church camp photography labs, and as a full-time AV Director for the Springfield Township Schools until health problems arose in 1978. His hobby produced annual photographic Christmas cards of family interests and activities since 1943. He served on Hartville Village Council for two terms and was involved in positions of leadership at Sun' N' Fun Mobile Home Park, Ft. Myers, FL, for sixteen years. He was a life-long member of the Church of the Brethren. Willis often expressed that with God, and the support and love of his wife, his children and grandchildren, it was all possible and worthwhile. Calling hours are Monday 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday 1-2:00 p.m. all at the Hartville Church of the Brethren. Funeral services are Tuesday 2:00 p.m. in the church with Pastor Michael Gleason officiating. Final resting place is Mount Peace Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to East Nimishillen Church of the Brethren or Hartville Church of the Brethren. Arnold 330-456-7291 www.arnoldfuneralhome.com