Retired Sgt. First Class William R. Kurtz, Sr., 63, of Rockland Twp., died January 7, 2015 in his residence surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Brenda K. (Breiner) Kurtz. Born in Reading, he was the son of Richard K. Kurtz of Hamburg and the late Helen (Koenig) Kurtz. Bill honorably served his country in the Army for 33 years, having been awarded the Sons of Liberty Medal and worked as a carpenter. He was a member of the Topton American Legion, Rockland Gun Club, and a life member of the PA National Guard Enlisted Association. Survivors: Wife; Father; Son, William R. Kurtz, Jr. at home; Daughter, Barbara Ann Kurtz at home; Brothers, Kenneth Kurtz of Boyertown, Daniel Kurtz of Kutztown, and Jeffrey Kurtz of Kutztown. He was predeceased by a sister Sandra Reinhard. Services: Memorial Service with military honors Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 3:00 PM in St. John's Lutheran Church, 201 East Main Street, Kutztown. Visitation 2:00 to 3:00 PM in the church. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements. Contributions: Please omit flowers and make a donation in Bill's memory to the American Cancer Society, 498 E. Bellevue Ave., Reading, PA 19605 or to Heartland Hospice, 4 Park Plaza, Park Rd. N., Suite 105 A, Wyomissing, PA 19610.