Eugene E. Kurtz; 87, of Palatine, IL died peacefully January 1, 2016 at his son's home.  He was born October 2, 1928 in Shamokin, PA.  He was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Bartko) Kurtz.  Eugene graduated from high school and enlisted in the US Navy in 1946.  He served on the USS Sterlet submarine as an Electronics Technician from 1946 until 1948 in the western Pacific with ports of call in Australia, Japan and Guam.  After he was discharged from the Navy, he decided to leave his small coal mining town in central PA and pursue the electronics career that was fueled while in the navy.  He went to Chicago, IL to further his education and enjoyed a career in Electrical Engineering working for Hammond Organ Company and Rauland Borg Company retiring in 1993.  He was united in marriage to the former Jean Traychak on July 26, 1952 in Chicago, IL she died June 21, 1969.  Eugene is survived by his three children, Joseph (Pamela) Kurtz of Whitewater, WI , Mary Ann (Randy) Olech of Inverness, IL and Kathleen (Paul) Kiamos of Colorado Springs, CO. nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, two sisters; Patricia Ann Schwalm of Rebuck, PA and Monica Rooney of Shamokin, PA, and by a host of other relatives and dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 16 years, Jean, three sisters: Mary Gallager, Helen Glawocki and Elizabeth Kurtz, two brothers; Joseph and Elmer Kurtz.  Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am Thursday January 7, 2016 at St. Theresa Catholic Church 455 Benton Street Palatine, IL with visitation at the church from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.  Memorials may be made in Eugene's name to the Charity of your choice.  On-line guestbook is at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.  Arrangements completed by Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory Elkhorn, WI.