Rosemary Kurtz

On August 18, 1920 the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified and women finally had the right to vote. 10 years later, August 11th, 1930, Rosemary Kurtz was born.

Rosemary Magner Kurtz passed away on April 1, 2026. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Jennifer Kurtz Crooks (Tom), Donna Kurtz (Paul Minkus) and Tamara Kurtz; 4 grandchildren, Jim Crooks (Tracey), Caitlin Crooks (Bea Ronan), Alison Crooks (Elijah Smith), Tavi Minkus, and 2 great-grandchildren, Mckenzie Rose Crooks and Rosemary Ann Smith. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim Kurtz; her father, Walter Magner; her step-mother, Lauretta Rowe Magner; her mother, Florence Harrington Magner; her brother Bill Magner; and sister-in-law, Rita.

Rosemary experienced tragedy at the age of 2 with the death of her mother; the children lived with extended family until she was seven while her father worked endlessly to pay off the extensive medical expenses incurred. Her stepmother was instrumental in Rosemary’s development of a resilient, determined and strong character that would serve her the rest of her life.

As a young woman Rosemary was a student government leader at the University of Oklahoma, received her Master’s Degree from Kansas University, and did PhD work at the University of Iowa. During the turbulent 1960s in Davenport, Iowa she actively marched and protested the Vietnam War, and worked with other parents to set up a multi-racial summer camp and helped elect the first woman mayor.

Rosemary was a devoted high school and college Spanish teacher for decades and finished her teaching at District 155. She was parishioner of St. Thomas and Elizabeth Ann Seton churches for 55 years. In 1970 Rosemary taught English to migrant workers and was president of the local League of Women Voters. In the1970s Rosemary served on the Crystal Lake Zoning Board through 1990s, focusing on protection of the Crystal Lake watershed. Subsequently, her first elected position was Treasurer of Crystal Lake. Later, on her second attempt, at the age of 70 she was elected IL State Representative.

As State Representative she stood up to the status quo by casting the deciding vote for a landmark anti-discrimination law, challenged unnecessary spending, brought back millions of State dollars to improve McHenry County school systems, and maintained a 100% Pro-Environment voting record.

At the age of 85 Rosemary was elected to District 155 School Board and consistently supported taxpayer concerns.

Rosemary had a wonderful marriage to Jim Kurtz and together they raised a family in Crystal Lake. She inspired her children and many in the community by encouraging them to address the needs of a world bigger than themselves. Her lifelong commitment to education, social justice, and serving others was shaped by her Catholic faith and Jesuit influence.

Consequently, she knew American democracy calls for its people to step up, and she was there to encourage, empower, and enable all who were willing to take on this challenge. She knew good government only happens when good people work together for the greater good. Rosemary’s legacy is the many people she inspired over her lifetime to seek elected office, establish careers in public service, and serve their community.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 12, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. At 5:30 p.m., family and friends are invited to share eulogies and memories. All are welcome to attend.

A Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 13, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Burial will follow at Crystal Lake Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Rosemary's name to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, 42 East St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, or the Family Health Partnership, 401 Congress Parkway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.