Orville Kurtz

Orville Milton “Kurt” Kurtz, 93, of Billings, Montana, passed away on April 8, 2024, in Billings, Montana. He was born on July 2, 1930, in Hardin, Montana.

Orville, known for his creativity and love for the outdoors, had a passion for dismantling and reassembling items to understand their inner workings. He was a proud Army veteran, having enlisted in 1948 and served in the 2nd Armored Division at Camp Hood, Texas. He spent a year in Japan and was honorably discharged in 1950 as a Corporal.

Throughout his life, Orville held various jobs ranging from farming to welding to self-employment. After high school, he and his sister Angie relocated to California, where he worked for an airplane parts manufacturing company. With his wife Carol, he established Heights Equipment Repair in Billings, a mechanical and welding business. He owned two matching Peterbilt's and hailed grain to Minnesota for Far Better Feeds.

Orville's hobbies included riding motorcycles, racing cars, snowmobiling, camping, and being an amateur inventor. He and Carol enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and California as snowbirds. His creativity shone through in the design of their home outside of Columbus.

Orville is survived by his daughters Tarria Litzsinger and Sonia Wiedrick (Dan), son David Kurtz, sister Angie Curran, nieces, and nephews, 6 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, of 53 years, among others. His grandson Nathan Kelley also preceded him in death.

A special thank you to the Davies family and for the use of their tractor over the years.

A service to honor Orville's life will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave., Billings, MT 50101. Dahl Funeral Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Orville will be remembered for his ingenuity, love for the outdoors, and dedication to his family, friends, and community.