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David W. Kurtz, 84, of Bellwood, died July 27, 2026, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College. He was born in Altoona, a son of the late Paul and Beth (Williams) Kurtz.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Saddie K. Kurtz; three daughters: Stella K. (Mike) Evans of Minneapolis, Minn., Kimberly C.M. (Nate) Schultz of St. Paul, Minn., and Eleanor K. (Chris) Fertig of Virginia Beach, Va.; six grandchildren: Robin, Lillian, Walter, Elizabeth, Andrew and Jackson; his siblings, James (Irene) Kurtz of Grand Junction, Idaho, and Elizabeth (Ronald) Vukman of Charlottesville, Va.; sister-in-law, Connie Kurtz of Bellwood; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul H. Kurtz.
David was a 1960 graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School and a 1964 graduate of Houghton College, receiving his BS in chemistry and high school teaching certifications in chemistry and German. He later earned his PhD in organic chemistry at Syracuse University and completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
David was a devoted husband, father and educator. He dedicated 31 years to his career as a professor of organic chemistry at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, and retired from his role as chair of the chemistry department in 2005. The many chemistry students he instructed included his three daughters.
He returned to his beloved home in Bellwood, where he enjoyed cultivating blueberries, orchids, researching the history of the Bells Gap and Narrow-Gauge Railroad and reconnecting with friends, relatives and favorite hiking and fishing spots of his youth. An avid outdoorsman, he was a member of Trout Unlimited and continued his chemistry pursuits through volunteer work with the Little Juniata River Association, monitoring and improving the quality of natural waterways.
David was a member of Hillside Community Church, Bellwood.
Friends will be received from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at Hillside Community Church, Bellwood. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with Pastor John Poe officiating. Interment will be at Logan Valley Cemetery, Bellwood.
Arrangements are by Jon C. Russin Funeral Home Inc., Bellwood.
The family suggests that contributions in David's memory be made to Bellwood-Antis Public Library; or Global Christian Relief mission (globalchristianrelief.org).
russinfuneralhome.com