Obituaries : Kevin Kem Sturtz

Kevin Kem Sturtz, 70, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away July 15, 2024 at his home.

Kevin was born October 3, 1953 to Melvin and Emma (Trunk) Sturtz. Raised on a farm near Dysart, IA Kevin graduated from Dysart-Geneseo, class of 1972. Farming alongside is father, working for many local farmers and being involved in the FFA, Kevin developed a love for farming at young age.

On April 23, 1977, Kevin married Diana Babinat at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garwin, IA. Starting their family in Dysart before moving to Belle Plaine in 1983. Kevin worked for Raleigh Johnson Motors in Belle Plaine, then Kinze Manufacturing for 19 years as a press operator. Kevin was hard working and farmer at heart, helping many area farmers throughout the years.

Kevin's favorite place was outdoors; feeding the cattle, mowing, cutting wood or just being at home tinkering. He looked forward to dirt track races with friends and was never short with words. Telling repeated stories, goofing around, and his sense of humor would always make you smile. Most of all he had a love for family; cherishing time with his grandchildren.

Kevin was a member for the First Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine and a volunteer Firefighter for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Diana Sturtz; children, Jason (Emily) Babinat; Mitchell (Heather) Sturtz, Dorinda Sturtz, Brian (Sue) Sturtz; 11 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild; siblings, Teresa (Kevin) Kool, Melissa (Alan) Jackson, Kent Sturtz and many more family and friends.

Kevin is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service is 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024 at First Lutheran Church, Belle Plaine. Private family burial will take place at Garrison Cemetery, Garrison, IA.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com