HERTZEN, Kurt

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted on November 19, 2013 - Kurt Hertzen passed away peacefully on November 12, 2013 in the Polidori Hospice House in Lake Havasu City, AZ after a short and valiant battle from a rare aggressive fungal infection. His mother was by his side. He was born in Long Beach, CA to Chris and Anne Hertzen. Kurt attended Garden Grove, CA school district from Kindergarten through High School where he graduated in 1990. He charmed the girls from a very early age and in fact was nominated “biggest flirt” by his senior graduating class. Kurt was a gifted athlete. He tried his hand at football, soccer and baseball. Baseball became his passion. He played the position of catcher from the age of 10 to his first year in college. He accepted many awards. He made the All Star team every year, and made the varsity team starting in his freshman year. It was nothing to see him joking and laughing with the home plate umpire. His gregarious personality captured everyone. His rotator cuff on his right arm gave out in his first year of college and his dream of making it into the “big leagues” ended. Kurt had no backup plan after his baseball loss ended and the next few years were spent trying to find his way. He tried his hand at working the oil fields in Bakersfield, CA and coming back to Orange County to work at Auto Club of Southern California as a claims representative but nothing really sparked his interest including going back to school. In 1995 he moved out to Lake Havasu City, AZ to be with his parents who had retired to the City. It was there the he met and married Mindy (Hubbard) Hertzen and their daughter Laura Anne Hertzen was born in 1997. Kurt was a diabetic for 35 years and during his early years of around 21 he started having eye problems and after numerous eye surgeries, he eventually became legally blind. He was fortunate to be rehabilitated by the State of Arizona/Business Enterprise Program for the Blind where he was trained to run a vending business in Lake Havasu City. With his excellent business skills and personality, he was able to expand the business to Parker, Kingman and Bullhead City. The State awarded him “vender of the year” for 2001, 2002 and 2003. Kurt had to quit running his business several years ago when diabetes stated to give him numerous health issues. Kurt had a passion for the ocean. He would surf the waves down in Huntington Beach, CA some mornings before heading to school. As he got older, his biggest thrill was heading out yearly from San Diego, CA on a 124’ long range fishing boat (The Excel) down into the Mexican waters to catch the “big tuna”. He would always joke that one did not need eye sight to fish! Kurt touched the lives of so many people. When he walked into a room, he would light it up with his smile and witty sense of humor. He was an inspiration to everyone. He befriended people from every walk of life. He never met a stranger and would never pass judgment on anyone. He would always find something good in everyone he met. He had a compassionate and generous heart that never quit giving. He was a devoted son. He will be deeply missed by so many. Kurt is survived by his mother, Anne Hertzen. His daughter, Laura Anne Hertzen (the pride and joy of his life). Mindy Hertzen, mother of his daughter. His Uncle Jan (Kathy) Hertzen. Uncle Eric Hertzen. Cousins, Karl and Kelly Hertzen. His Nana, Florence Barratt. His pug, Wheezy. He was preceded in death by his Father, Chris Hertzen. His Grandfather, Stanley Barratt. His Grandmother, Virginia Hertzen and his Grandfather, Jack Hertzen. The family would like to give special thanks to the Polidori Hospice house for their unconditional care and devotion to Kurt. They allowed him to leave us with dignity and grace. There will be no funeral service but a Celebration of Kurt’s Life will be held at a later date.