Peggy Ann (Beam) Kurtz

Peggy Ann Kurtz passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025 at the age of 84. Peggy was born on December 1, 1940 to Harold and Esther Beam in Johnsville, Ohio. She was the youngest of 3 children, Patricia, and Danny Joe. She graduated High School in Erie, Pennsylvania and later moved to Lockport, Illinois where she met her husband Fred while working for Illinois Bell. Peggy was a member of Ridgewood Baptist Church and a member of Larkin Baptist Church.

Fred and Peggy were married on May 16, 1964. In 1969 they moved to Tampico, Illinois where they operated a hobby farm with 6 acres and a variety of animals and family pets. In 1970, they welcomed a son, Kevin, into the family and in 1972, their daughter, Kim. Peggy worked as a homemaker and created a place where all were welcome. She loved to host visiting missionaries that Tampico Baptist church supported. Also, a favorite pastime was baking and she continued to utilize those talents at the Dutch Diner where she made Pies and other desserts for the community. Peggy loved her community and often admitted that Tampico was a great place to live and raise her family.

She and Fred left Tampico to retire to Auburn, Indiana in 1998. Peggy spent her retirement devoted to her grandkids and spending time at a variety of their events. She was also a member Lakewood Park Baptist Church. She was a member of the Lakewood Park Women’s ministry program. She and her husband started the Seniors with a Purpose program at Lakewood Park where they met some of their closest friends. In addition Peggy spent summers at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp in Eagle River, MI managing the Book Nook Bookstore and looking over the housekeeping department for several summers. Her favorite time of day at Gitche Gumee was to listen to the various speakers that the camp brought in. She loved the Tabernacle at Camp and had many a good conversation with her lord and savior while attending daily services. Often when they had free time you could find Peggy agate hunting in the shores of Lake Superior. Gitche Gumee was a very special place to Fred and Peggy and their family.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 61 years, Fred Kurtz, of Auburn Indiana. 2 Children, Kevin Kurtz (Tina) of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and Kim (Dan) Ginder of Fort Wayne, IN. She is also survived by 5 Grandchildren, Brody Kurtz, Bryce Ginder, Ethan Kurtz, Kylee Kurtz, and Brenna Ginder as well as her “grand-dog”, Quincy

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Esther Beam, her sister, Patricia Colleen Huffman and her brother, Danny Joe Beam

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to Luminary Hospice for the compassionate care provided during Peggy’s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gitche Gumee Bible Camp, 5189 Garden City Road, Eagle River, MI 49950

A memorial service will be held at Fairfield Township Cemetery in Corunna Indiana August 3rd at 3:00 pm all Family and friends are welcome. Fairfield Cemetery County Rd 12 Corunna IN 46730. Feller and Clark Funeral Home of Auburn is assisting the family with arrangements. To send condolences to the family, visit www.fellerandclark.com

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