Charles M. Kurt, 82, of Winnebago, IL passed away June 3, 2026. Charles was born August 23, 1943, in Cascade, IA, the son of Norbert Faber and Margaret (Jaeger) Kurt. He attended Loras College and was drafted, proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force from 1964 – 1968. After his service, Charles continued his education at the University of Northern Iowa, obtaining his bachelor’s degree and then his master’s at Western Illinois University. He started his career as a teacher and helped create the Automotive Program at Rockford Vocational Center. Charles’ strong entrepreneurship and passion for automotives led him to open Kurt’s Auto and Truck Center on July 11, 1974, and later Kurt’s Lube Express and Service Center. Charles spent many years as a scout leader in Cascade, IA, Germany, Rockford, IL and Winnebago, IL helping his sons become Eagle Scouts. Charles was a giver and a man of service, living by the motto of, “Leave it better than you found it”. He was a long-time member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, a past president of the Rockford Kiwanis, president of Independent Garage Owners and later the Automotive Service Association. Charles served on the advisory board of the Rock Valley College Automotive Program and shared his insights and knowledge, of all things automotive, on “Car Talk” WNTA 1330 with Doug McDuff. Charles enjoyed bicycling and rode his recumbent bike on several long-distance bike rides including the RAGBRAI, a non-competitive bicycle tour across Iowa from its western to eastern border. He also liked being active, by playing pickle ball, serving as an ambassador for the Northern Illinois Pickle Ball Association. His most cherished times were boating with his family on the Mississippi River and later with his grandkids at their place in Green Lake, WI. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on in the values and leadership he instilled in both his family and his business.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen; children, Marcia (Paul) Whitley, Randy (Lisa) Kurt, and Nathan (Brittany) Kurt; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Mary Kate, and Tommy Whitley, Jadeyn Sturm, Savannah and Landon Kurt, Ethan, Ellie, and Sophia Kurt; Sisters, Betty (Nick) Wagner and Linda (Kevin) Nielsen; brother, Wayne (Roxie) Kurt; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Bob) Noe; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by his parents, Norbert Faber and Margaret.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. Visitation will continue Friday, July 3, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 201 Buckbee St, Rockford, IL 61104. Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or the Poor Clare Colettine Nuns of Rockford, IL.