Brad Kurtenbach

Bradley Dean Kurtenbach, 61, passed away on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at his home in Wakefield, NE after a brief illness. At the time of his death, he was the Publisher of the Wakefield Republican Newspaper. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 17, at 10:30 A.M. at Salem Lutheran Church in Wakefield. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the Funeral Service. Bradley was born on October 8, 1951 in Mitchell, SD to the late Charles and Leola (Froehlich) Kurtenbach. Brad graduated from Wakefield High School in 1969. Prior to moving to Wakefield where his father served as Depot Agent for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, Brad and his family had lived in Mitchell, SD and Crofton, NE but Wakefield was always his home. Becoming Publisher of the Wakefield Republican News in 2008 was a dream come true for Brad. Even while driving a truck for Metz Baking Company in Lincoln, Brad worked part-time, originally as a photographer, for the Voice News in Hickman, NE outside of Lincoln. He later worked for the Beatrice Daily Sun, further learning the business of newspaper publishing, before returning to Wakefield to work for and eventually purchase the Wakefield Republican. His early love of the newspaper business began with his love of photography and as Brad was usually the person taking the photographs in the family, it is ironic that his immediate family has no individual photos except for his high school graduation. Inspired by his father, Brad inherited, as did his other sons, a deep love of music which gave Brad much joy throughout his life. Brad had a boyishness about him, liveliness, a quickness to smile, and a readiness to embrace the moment. Besides his family, Brad loved Wakefield and trout fishing. The family wishes to express our great appreciation to the city, the many individuals who have helped us through this difficult process and all others who have shared their memories and grief at his passing. Bradley is survived by his daughter Kelly Kurtenbach of Lincoln, NE, brother Ronald Kurtenbach (Maria), currently teaching in China, Richard Kurtenbach (Joette Pelster) of Kansas City, MO, nephews Ben Kurtenbach and Aaron Kurtenbach of Lincoln, NE and numerous cousins. Bradley was preceded in death by his parents Leola and Charles Kurtenbach. Memorial contributions may be made in Brad’s name to The Wakefield Community Foundation, in care of of Siouxland Community Foundation, 505 Fifth St., Suite 412, Sioux City, IA 51101.