Gerald John (Jerry) Kurzenbaum
MISSOULA — Gerald John (Jerry) Kurzenbaum, 75, of Missoula, with his family by his side, went to be with the Lord and his true love, Carolyn, on Feb. 2, 2012. Jerry was born on May 20, 1936 in Butte, to Rudolph and Adelaide Kurzenbaum.
At an early age Jerry and his family moved to Missoula. As a child he thrived on adventure, which he continued throughout his life. He enjoyed sharing stories of himself and his buddies and their many questionable adventures. His mother described him as being one rambunctious child.
Jerry graduated from Missoula County High and shortly after met the love of his life, Carolyn Oster. At that time he served as an Army Guardsman. On May 2, 1959, Jerry and Carolyn were married in Helena. They lived in Butte where Jerry worked at Ashton Engraving. They welcomed their first child, Heidi, Sept. 5, 1963. Later Jerry and Carolyn moved to Deer Lodge where Jerry worked as the activities coordinator at the state prison. After moving to Missoula, they welcomed their son Gregory (Chip), April 1, 1966, and a daughter Beth, Aug. 22, 1968.
Jerry and Carolyn raised their family in Missoula and on Flathead Lake. In 1984 they moved to Polson where they started a family business, Gull Printing, and in 2006 they moved back to Missoula to be closer to medical care.
Jerry loved spending time with his family and friends, adding to his numerous collections, sharing his wealth of self-taught knowledge with anyone who would listen, going to the shooting range with his children, sons-in-law and grandchildren, attending Grizzly games, camping, hiking, playing jokes, fishing, boating, traveling, and just having fun. Jerry was a leader and was involved with countless community services in both Missoula and Polson. No matter where Jerry lived, his devotion and love for his community was immeasurable with ideas and contributions to make things better. He belonged to the Montana National Guard and sat on numerous boards; too many to mention. He held annual gun shows in Missoula and Polson for numerous years.
Jerry was a devoted Catholic and loved the Lord. He was one of the best Boy Scout leaders, taking one of his troops to a weeklong hike in Glacier.
Jerry was an amazing husband, father, father-in-law, and papa to eight grandchildren, who he cherished and loved. Jerry has and will continue to be an inspiration to all whom he met.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Kurzenbaum, his mother, Adelaide Williams, and his father, Rudolph Kurzenbaum. He is survived by his brother, Dan Kurzenbaum and his family, his daughter, Heidi Doherty, her husband, Tracy, their children Courtney, Nolan, Makenzie and Colin, of Calgary, Alberta; son Chip, of Polson, and his fiancé, Caitlin Chapman, and children Lexi and William, daughter, Beth Glover, and her husband, Mike, of Missoula, their children Kyle and Drew, and his faithful companion Cisco.
Jerry and his family thank the doctors, nurses, chaplains and Comfort Care staff at St. Patrick Hospital, his fellow parishioners and all of his dear friends who spent time with him in his last days. You are all amazing and made his journey that much more special.
Celebration of Jerry’s life will be Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m., at St Anthony’s Church in Missoula.
In honour of Jerry, please wear Grizzly or colourful attire. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice.
We love you Dad, Papa, and friend. You won.
