Dennis Leroy Kurz

Dennis Leroy Kurz, 71, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home in Stringtown, Missouri, in the quiet presence of those who loved him most.

Dennis was born on November 12, 1954, to Leroy and Iris Edwards Kurz at their home in Stringtown, Missouri.

Dennis married Nancy Diane Hanks on June 28, 1975, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Shortly after their marriage, in 1975 Dennis fell ill and needed a kidney transplant to survive. His sister Lenora donated a kidney to him. The kidney lasted 47 years and allowed him to live a full and happy life. During the 1970s and 80s, he fulfilled his dream of farming and running his hog enterprise. After many years of raising hogs, he returned to school—first attending Three Rivers Community College before transferring to St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Dennis graduated with honors from STLCOP in 1996.

Dennis loved being a pharmacist. He retired as the Pharmacy Manager for Kroger after working there for over 20 years.

He is survived by his children: Dennis Aaron Kurz (Jolene), Rebecca Ann Emmons (Lance); and Rachel Beth Taylor (Jerome).

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Serenity Raymond, Collin Kurz, Libbi Kurz, Joshua Shipman (Payton), Christian Shipman, Jordan Emmons, Payton Barnett (Cody), Isabella Emmons, Tatianna Taylor, Gerome Taylor; and one great-grandson, Ridley Raymond.

Also surviving are his siblings: Lenora Dunlap; Cleve Kurz (Judy) and Jeannie Smith (Jim) along with many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Diane Hanks; his parents, Leroy and Iris (Edwards) Kurz; his sister, Mary Ann Kurz; and his brother, William (Bill) Kurz.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 5, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services, with burial following at Kerns Chapel in Stringtown, Missouri.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Dennis Leroy Kurz. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com