Ralph Kurtz
December 12, 1947 - February 19, 2026
With his loving family by his side, Philip Ralph Kurtz, beloved husband of Della Kurtz (nee Bachmeier), passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat after a brief battle with cancer on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 78 years. Along with Della, his loving wife of over 56 years, Ralph’s memory will be forever cherished by his two children and their families: son, Jason (Amanda) Kurtz and their three children, Martina Kurtz; Jenna Kurtz (Lane) and their two children, Zander and Sophia Meier; Jesse Powers; daughter, Tasha Westergreen and her two children, Kaiden and Jacey Westergreen. Ralph is also survived by two brothers, Marvin (Lorraine) Kurtz and Richard (Doris) Kurtz as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Minnie Kurtz; brother and sister in infancy, Gerald and Marilyn Kurtz and a brother, Delbert Kurtz. Ralph started working with Imperial Oil in the late 1970’s, a job he excelled at for decades until his retirement. Throughout the years, he enjoyed travelling with Della to many destinations, some of which included Jamaica, Hawaii, New Orleans and Mexico. Up until 2020, Ralph and Della spent the winter months in Arizona, coming home to enjoy the outdoors each summer and getting camping trips in whenever possible. Those who knew Ralph will remember him as an honourable man, someone you could look up to dearly. He loved his family unconditionally and was always there to help out when any one of them was in need.
“Thank you papa for the laughs, the love and all the little moments that meant the most, You will always have a special place in our hearts.”
Dignified Cremation has taken place. Ralph’s life will be honoured and his memory cherished without the proceedings of a formal funeral. Those wishing to remember Ralph may do so through a donation to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium and Reflections Reception Facility, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone toll free: 1-877-528-6455.