Mitchell J. Kurtz
Age 58, of Plainfield, Illinois, passed from this life Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Rush Copley Medical Center after a courageous battle against cancer with family by his side.
He was born on August 1, 1966, to Kenneth T. and Karen Kurtz in Joliet, where he was raised and educated. He was a graduate of the class of 1984 from Joliet West High School, where he was a member of the ice hockey team for all four years and served as captain his senior year. Following High School, Mitch went on to play ice hockey at the College of DuPage and was also captain during his tenure at COD, wearing the ‘C’ proudly. Mitch then went on and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he was a proud member and central figure of the “Ice Cats” Hockey team.
Mitch enjoyed many hobbies and was known as a true outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, and snowboarding, especially in his favorite place, Aspen, with hockey being his ultimate passion. His competitive spirit fostered a ‘finish first’ mantra that will be remembered by all who knew him.
Mitch had a deep love for music, especially live performances. He cherished attending concerts, particularly when he could share the experience with his children. His favorite band was Led Zeppelin, whose music brought him great joy throughout his life.
Mitch’s favorite role was that of a proud father. Never missing his children’s, nieces or nephews’ hockey games, events, and rarely missing practices. One can say that the hockey rink was truly Mitch’s happy place. Mitch’s proudest achievement, however, was raising them as a single father, providing unwavering support. He treasured every moment spent watching Bryce & Olivia thrive, beaming with pride at their talents and achievements both on the ice and in their daily lives, and you could always find him in the same corner of the rink.
Mitch was truly a great man, father, brother, and friend. We will always remember!
