Jacob Edward “Ed” Kurtz passed into the presence of the Lord Jesus on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. He was born on January 9, 1938, in Joanna Heights, Pennsylvania, the first-born son of the late Omar A. and Delphia (Plank) Kurtz.

Ed was self-employed as a skilled stone mason and faithfully served as pastor of Living Waters Fellowship in Morgantown, PA and was former pastor of Hopewell Mennonite Church. He was principal and teacher at Conestoga Christian School. He founded The Torch Community Center, a place for ministry and Christian gatherings in Morgantown, PA.

His passion was helping people and seeing them set free. He welcomed every phone call and every knock at the door, meeting people wherever the need was greatest. Ed was a spiritual father to many, freely giving his time, strength, and resources to help others. His generosity, compassion, and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Helen (Brubaker) Kurtz; 3 sons; Elvin (Brenda) Kurtz of Morgantown, PA, Mervin (Joanne) Kurtz of Zebulon, NC, and Glenn (Kara) Kurtz of Weyers Cave, VA; 2 daughters, Eileen (Greg) Myer of Montrose, PA and Lois (Stephen) Swaim of New Milford, NJ; 15 grandchildren: Bret (Kayloni), Jenna, Carolyn, Zachary (Paige), Megan, Destiny (Michael), Andrew, Sarah (Jon), Adam (Maddie), Hannah (David), Josiah, Jesse, Emma, Elizabeth and David; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters Christine (Bill) Troyer and Sally (Russ) Leinbach both of Harrisonburg, VA, and Dotty Martin of Eustis, FL; sister-in-law, Laura Kurtz of Friedens, PA; many nieces and nephews. His brothers Lowell Kurtz and Dave Mast and brother-in-law Roy Martin predeceased him.

Viewing: Monday, Feb 2 from 6:00-8:00 pm

Celebration of Life: Tuesday, Feb 3 viewing at 10:00 until time of service at 11:00 AM

Location: Hopewell Church 2286 Hopewell Road Elverson, PA

Instead of flowers: donations can be made to The Torch Community Center Mail to: The Torch, 2846 Main Street, Box 5, Morgantown, PA 19543