William J. “Bill” Kurth, age 81, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at St. Mary’s Home under care of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice.

Bill was born on July 6, 1944 at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc, to the late William P. and Loyola (Buchner) Kurth. He attended St. Paul’s Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1962. Bill then attended UW Madison, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology. After graduating he worked at the University of Wisconsin State Lab in the Microbiology Department for 51 years, retiring at the age of 73. Some of Bill’s favorite hobbies included sailing, electronics, computers, and following college hockey. He liked to hang out at the Memorial Union in Madison and drink beer on the terrace.

Bill is survived by his siblings: Joe (Cathy) Kurth, Katie Parworth, Pete (Kathy) Kurth, Tina (Jack) Johanek, and Barb (Scott) Sonntag as well as many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law: Dennis Franz and Chuck Parworth.

Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and a celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated in Bill’s name to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, by mail: W2850 WI-28, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085 or online: https://ssrhospicehome.org/online-donation/

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Kurth family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison and St. Mary’s Home in Manitowoc for the care and compassion shown to Bill and his family.