Pastor Roger Keith Kurzen

Pastor Roger K. Kurzen, 80, of Dalton, passed away Thursday afternoon, December 5, 2024. Born in Massillon, May 13, 1944, a son of Walter E. and Ruth Ann (Fulton) Kurzen, Roger was a member of the first graduating class of Tuslaw High School in 1962. He attended Akron Art Institute until its closure, and then attended Dayton Art Institute, graduating in 1966. Roger worked several years as a commercial photography artist, during which time, he also served his church as their youth pastor.
In 1981, Roger, his wife Pat, and a small group of friends and relatives started Abundant Life Christian Fellowship (ALCF), with Roger as the founding pastor. He served as pastor of ALCF steadfastly until his retirement in 2009. His artistic abilities were shared at ALCF through many chalk drawings; a 4-ft. tall, 3-D heart; and “Oliver Stix.”
Roger was a devoted husband, loving and supportive dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Among his favorite memories were the yearly family camping trips and, later, family vacations to Myrtle Beach. In his leisure time, Roger found pleasure and satisfaction as an artist and craftsman, hand-building at least a dozen guitars; and dulcimers, electric bass guitars, and even a cello. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed yearly hunting treks with a group of friends from church and fishing with his beloved friend, Larry.
Predeceased by his parents, and his first wife, Patricia Ann “Pat” (Crofut) Kurzen; Roger is survived by his wife, Holly (Shonk) Kurzen, of the home; daughters: Lori (Kevin) Hewitt, of Massillon, LeAnne (Ryan) Hartman, of North Lawrence, and Melissa (John) Carlisle, of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren: Hailey (Brandon) Jurkovich, Pastor Blaine (Faith) Hewitt, Cooper Hartman, Olivia Hartman; and Aaron Hall and Moriante (Ariel) Cardwell; great-grandchildren: Aria and Emilia. Also surviving are his brothers, Ken Kurzen and Jim (Brenda) Kurzen.
Family and friends will gather for a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, 303 – 8th Street SW, Massillon, Ohio 44647. Burial will follow in Brookfield Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon has been entrusted with arrangements. Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added here to Roger's on-line guestbook.

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