KURT FITZGERALD

Kurt Lane Fitzgerald of Aurora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2024, at the age of 71.

Kurt was born on October 15, 1952, the third child and first son of Donald Fitzgerald and Neoba Chandler Fitzgerald. 

Kurt was a proud East Aurora Tomcat. After graduating from East Aurora High school in 1970, Kurt enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and was stationed in O’ahu before being deployed to Vietnam on the USS Safeguard (ARS-25). Until his passing, Kurt was a Fitter at Garbe Iron Works for more than 20 years.

In his free time, Kurt liked to unwind by watching game shows like The Price is Right and Jeopardy as well as shows that discussed politics. Kurt loved to watch sports and was a huge fan of the Chicago teams. He enjoyed a wide variety of music but particularly loved the guitarist, Jeff Beck. Kurt often spent weekends decorating the yard for various holidays and special occasions. A Jeep enthusiast, Kurt enjoyed taking rides with the roof and the doors off to explore Chicagoland with the love of his life, Marlene, while listening to the on-air personality Freak of Q Rock.

Kurt is survived by his life partner of 28 years, Marlene Bartl; his best friend Steve Allen; his siblings, Sharon Kiss, Mike Fitzgerald (Kathy), and Mark Fitzgerald; Marlene’s sister Charlene Ryan (Dennis), many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and friends.

Kurt is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Edward Fitzgerald and Neoba Chandler Fitzgerald, and his sister, Patty Ann Fitzgerald. 

A visitation will be held at Conley Funeral Home in Elburn on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m., with a funeral service at 12:00p.m. and interment at Big Rock Welsh Cemetery immediately to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Kurt’s name. Checks may be made to the “Kurt Fitzgerald Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.