Rev. Harold R. "Harry" Kurtenbach, 84, of Grand Island, NE, died Monday, October 23, 2017, at CHI Health St. Francis Medical Center with his family by his side. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, October 27, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church. Principle celebrant, Most Rev. Joseph G. Hanefeldt, Bishop of Grand Island Diocese. Concelebrants, Most Rev. William J. Dendinger, Bishop Emeritus, Rev. Charles L. Torpey, Rev. James C. Schmitt, Rev. Thomas A. Ryan, Rev. Joseph Kadaprayil, and other priests of the Diocese of Grand Island. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, October 26, 2017, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church with a scripture wake service at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Fr. Harry was born on the family farm near Greeley, Nebraska on August 4, 1933. He was the son of Joseph and Anna (Ramaeker) Kurtenbach. He attended grade school at Sacred Heart School in Greeley and a country school near Spalding, Nebraska. In the eighth grade, he started at the Spalding Academy and graduated in 1951. During his eighth grade year, Fr. Kurtenbach decided to become a priest. He went to the St. Columban's Seminary in Milton, Massachusetts and Bristol, Rhode Island for 5 years. In 1956 he transferred to the Grand Island Diocese and he was ordained to the priesthood on May 11, 1960, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island, NE. His first Mass was offered in Spalding, Nebraska on May 12, 1960, with family and friends. North Platte was Fr. Harry's first assignment. He went on to serve in parishes in Prairie Center, Schneider, Gothenburg, Brady, Ainsworth, Norden, Kearney, Long Pine, Bassett, Newport, Lexington, Overton, Shelton, Broken Bow, Ansley, Mason City, Pleasanton, and Hazard. Some of his experiences included being a pastor, a superintendent of schools, a teacher, and an athletic director. He soon learned how to coach volleyball. In 1970, he joined the army reserves. He had many appointments during his years as a priest. In 1977 he was appointed pastor of Resurrection Church in Grand Island. In 1983 he was appointed Director of Communications and Spiritual Enrichment. It was during this time he became interested in Renew and the Charismatic Renewal. He was appointed Diocesan Liaison for Charismatic Renewal for the Diocese of Grand Island, and for over 40 years was Spiritual Director for Servants of the Father's Love Community. This group met and prayed together forming lasting and spiritual friendships. Fr. Harry officially retired in 1998 but he said a priest never really retires. In 2002, he was appointed as chaplain to the Veteran Administration Hospital where he served for 10 years. Fr. Harry loved to travel which included going to the Holy Land, Brazil, and seeing the Kansas City Royals play ball. He believed in learning and studying about current events, theology and having a good discussion. Fr. Kurtenbach was a friend and spiritual inspiration. Too his many nieces and nephews, he was a loving uncle with great humor and generosity. There was nothing too small for him to do for his family but he always did it with Christ in mind. So "AMEN" Fr. Harry. Survivors of his immediate family include his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, John "Jack" and Eileen (McCarthy) Kurtenbach, sisters Anna Kurtenbach, Cordelia Kurtenbach and Georgina (Kurtenbach) and Harry Flanigan. Memorials are suggested to Grand Island Central Catholic. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Fr. Harry's obituary. Visitation

Thursday, October 26, 2017 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Resurrection Catholic Church 4110 Cannon Road Grand island, Nebraska 68803 Vigil Service

Thursday, October 26, 2017 7:00 PM

Resurrection Catholic Church 4110 Cannon Road Grand island, Nebraska 68803 Mass of Christian Burial

Friday, October 27, 2017 10:30 AM

Resurrection Catholic Church 4110 Cannon Road Grand island, Nebraska 68803