Kurt D. Latz, 67

Kurt Douglas Latz, affectionately known as “Clubby,” of Bancroft, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in his home, at the age of 67.

Kurt was born August 20, 1956 in Ladysmith, Wis. the son of the late Albert and Della (née Mallo) Latz. At the young age of 5, Kurt’s father passed away. In time, his mother remarried Duane Story, who became Kurt’s second father. Kurt grew up in Jump River, Wis., and graduated from Gilman High School in 1974.

Following high school, Kurt tried out for the Minnesota Twins baseball team. While a professional baseball career wasn’t in his cards, his love for baseball remained.

In 1976, Kurt made the brave decision to join the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1979.

The following year, on September 13, 1980, he married Kathleen Potapenko in Gilman, Wis. While their marriage ended in divorce after 25 years, he gained so much from it; a beloved stepson, as well as his own three beautiful children. During their marriage, Kurt and Kathleen moved their family to the Stevens Point area where they made many friends over the years.

After his service to our country, Kurt began a lifelong career as a truck driver, dedicating almost 40 years to American Asphalt. For the majority of his career, he moved equipment around with the use of a dump truck. At the time of his retirement in 2018, he was driving tack truck. However, being a hard worker by nature, Kurt couldn’t stay retired for long. In 2019, he began working for Paradise Trucking and remained there until his passing.

Kurt lived an active and involved life. He enjoyed a great number of sports from slow pitch softball and bowling in his younger years, to pool leagues and milk bottle tournaments as he got older. Above all else, Kurt’s greatest pride was his children, and eventually grandchildren. He was always there for them and celebrated their accomplishments. His greatest pastime was any time spent with them.

While Kurt’s CB handle as a trucker was, “Clubby”, his favorite name to be called was “Papa.” Although Kurt could shoot the breeze with the best of them and reveled in back-and-forth playful banter, he was also a kind and caring man who would give the shirt off his back to someone who needed it.

Dad, you were the best Dad and Papa that we could have asked for and are so proud that you were our Dad. While you will be missed by so many, we know you will always be with us wherever we go. We will carry your memory in our hearts forever. We love you.

Kurt is survived by his children, Chelynne (Nick) Molski of Plover, Tanya (Troy) Sobish of Stevens Point, Jordan (Emily) Latz of West Saint Paul, Minn., and Gary (Kelly) Beadles of Plover; his grandchildren, Jack and Shay Molski, Kierce, Jacob, and Ellazandra Sobish, Kennedy and Milo Latz, and Taylor (Dylan) Knoespel, Parker and Brittany Beadles; and a great-grandson, Beau Knoespel. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Kim (Danny) Trawicki of Gilman, Kirby (Linda Montwill) Latz of Jump River, Kristie (Davey) Winger of Gilman, Wendy (Matt) Dernovsek of Hudson, and Brett (Stacey) Story of Bloomer; 17 nieces and nephews, 28 great-nieces and nephews, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Della; his second Dad, Duane; his maternal grandparents, Guy and Beatrice Mallo; his paternal grandparents, Charles and Eva Latz and Leo and Lillian Story; and a niece, Shayla Story.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Woodlands Church, 190 Hoover Ave., Plover. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at Shuda Plover Funeral Home, 2400 Plover Rd., Plover, and again Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow Thursday’s service at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.