Nelson Leroy Kurtz, 75, passed away on Sunday morning, August 20, 2023, at his home with family at his side.

He was born on October 4, 1947, in Norfolk, Virginia. Nelson accepted Christ in his youth and he lived a life of service to God, his family, and the church. While serving his IW at Sunnyside Nursing Home in Sarasota, Florida, he met his first wife, Leona Overholt. They married on December 27, 1969, and in 1970, they moved to Waynesboro, Georgia, where he took up dairy farming. Nelson loved working with cattle and he took great satisfaction in keeping his farm in top shape.

In 1992, Nelson and Leona moved to Hartwell, Georgia. Nelson's burden for youth motivated him and others to start Heritage Bible School. He served as principal for a number of years and as teacher for over twenty-five years. The first six weeks of each year were precious to him in that he loved teaching youth and listening to their challenges. Many people have commented that Nelson's classes at Bible School were life changing for them.

He began working for Choice Books, servicing displays and making many friends among the store receivers. Nelson had a passion for reaching out and his greatest satisfaction was getting good literature into the hands of seekers.

Nelson, along with others, began Siloam Ministries, a ministry that supports various seminars such as the annual Men's and Women's seminar. He believed in the life-changing work that God does in the hearts of men and women, finding fulfillment in helping in the work of the church.

After Leona's passing on May 8, 2017, he married Esther (Byler) Bontrager on January 4, 2019. They spent their time between Nelson's home in Hartwell and Esther's home in Arthur, Illinois. Nelson loved meeting people and he made good friends in Illinois.

Besides his wife, Esther, Nelson is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Kurtz of Hartwell, Georgia, a son, Sam (Bonnie) of Mocksville, North  Carolina, two step-daughters, Melody (Cliff) Schrock of Harrisonville, Pennsyvania and Amber (Melvin) Yoder of Grantsville, Maryland; three step-sons, Matthew (Lacry) Bontrager, Aaron (Barb) Bontrager both of Arthur, Illinois, and Andy Bontrager of Goshen, Indiana; one sister, Ruby Bridgeman and one brother, Ken (Ruth) both of Chesapeake, Virginia; four grandchildren, nineteen step-grandchildren, and three nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Olus Kurtz, his first wife, Leona, an infant niece Sheila Kurtz, two brothers-in-law Steve Blankenship and Steve Bridgeman.

As a family, we will miss his laughter, his zeal for living, and his love of being with family. Nelson loved to work and he felt great satisfaction in caring for his yard and landscape. In the midst of our tears, we remember his words, "God has a time when He will call everyone and when He calls, they will answer." His voicemail recording ended with "The Lord is coming soon, are you ready?" We believe he is in that "great cloud of witnesses"; he cannot come back to us but we can join him. Let us also be ready to meet the Lord.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hartwell Mennonite Center, 3214 Royston Hwy, Hartwell, GA.

A Funeral Service for Mr. Nelson L. Kurtz will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hartwell Mennonite Center. Burial will follow at the Hartwell Mennonite Church, 2080 Friendship Rd, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.