George Theodore Kurkowski, age 89, of Forsyth passed away after a long fight with Parkinson Disease on December 30, 2020 at Tender Nest in Billings. He was born on “the hottest day, of the hottest month, of the hottest year” according to his mother. George was born to Matthew and Gladys (Palmer) Kurkowski on August 24, 1931 in rural Rosebud County at home.
He graduated Forsyth High School in 1949. He entered the U.S. Army as a forward observer in the Korean war, receiving a Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars and a United Nations Service Medal. Obtained his BS Degree from Eastern Montana College in 1958, attended Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1961-1962 then later went to Claremont Graduate School in 1963. He graduated from University of Northern Colorado with his master’s degree in 1968.
He married the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Greene on March 20, 1954 to this union 5 children were born.
He started his long teaching career in Big Piney, WY in 1958, where he was high school principal in Big Piney and Government/History teacher in Lander, WY. After many years in Wyoming, they decided to move back to Montana to be closer to his family and the family ranch. They moved to Miles City in 1967 to raise their family. He taught Government/Economics at Custer County High School and Miles City Community College in Miles City. He started his Political career in Miles City. He was a City Alderman then the Mayor of Miles City for 13 ½ years. He was the longest serving mayor in Miles City history. George was also the President of the MT League of cities and towns from 1985-1988.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Peggy; sons, Matthew (Rita) of Idaho, Joseph (Ramona) of Billings, Thomas (Paula) of Miles City; daughter, Janie (Joel) of Forsyth; 10 grandchildren, Alexa (Mike) Henry, Tara (Jordan) Miller, Dylan (Alexandria) Klapmeier, Madyson (Mike) Studiner, Chris Kurkowski, Joey (Sarah) Kurkowski, Sarah Davis Kurkowski, Matthew (Amber) Kurkowski, Kevin (Kayla) Kurkowski, Ryan Kurkowski; 3 great grandchildren, Emily Davis, Ronald Mason, and Ronan Kurkowski; brother, Joseph T. Kurkowski of the family place in Forsyth; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his son 1st LT Christopher D. Kurkowski; sister, Dorothy Becker, and his parents.
He was a loving husband and father who will be greatly missed.
Viewing services will be in Forsyth at Stevenson & Sons, Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 4-6 PM. Funeral Services are on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Stevenson and sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Burial will follow at the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday January 7, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday January 8, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday January 8, 2021
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday January 7, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Friday January 8, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Friday January 8, 2021
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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James Arneson says
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and grandpa. I always enjoyed seeing him around town in my younger years. George was a wonderful man in every way and accomplished so many things in so many different areas of his life. RIP.
Diane Welbes says
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold forever in your heart.
Pam Bovee says
So sorry to hear of Mr. Kurkowski’s passiing. He was a great teacher.
Denise Harvey says
George was not only a wonderful teacher, he was also a friend of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! He has left all of us better for having known him! And we appreciate his service to our community.
Denise Oberlander Harvey
Bernadette Miller says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a good man. Verlin loved visiting with him about life in general, they had always had a good talk.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Rick and Dee Abbott says
To each of George’s family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We pray that God grants you His comfort, peace and solace.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Ron & Connie Watts says
I will always have fond memories of George, and was privileged to work at the City of Miles City during some of his mayoral years. During the “Cattle Drive of 95” Ron and I drove to Sheridan, WY, to watch the cattle cross into Montana, and he offered to let me ride his horse as an outrider, which I was thrilled to do for a few miles! He was a kind man, and cared about the people he worked with. Prayers for God’s comfort to his family. God speed, George!
Julie Martin says
My thoughts and prayers are with Peggy and the entire family. What a great teacher and man.
Sue McKenna says
I am thinking of the family. I learned a lot from George. He served the community well. Take strength in each other.
Betty Petetson says
I will always remember George’s kindness when my Cathy was killed in a car accident . He was so kind
Tim and Kris Crews says
Sorry for your loss Tom, Paula, and all the family. May you be comforted.
Pete Stabio says
I am sorry for your loss and hope your fond memories of this gentle and dynamic man will lift your spirits. George and I had a wonderful friendship and shared many laughs and stories. I was privileged to have his children in class felt the pain of he suffered when Chris passed. George created a great legacy and made a difference in many, many lives.
Maureen Larson says
My sincere sympathies to all of George’s family. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. God bless you all!
Linda Hodgson says
My sympathy and prayers for the family. RIP George
Tanna D Aye says
Dear Kurkowski family, my heart breaks for your loss.
George was a dynamic man with so many interests. My mother shared a story many years ago about how he helped my brother get through high school. He had seen him struggling and after some testing found out he had dyslexia. He made sure he received the help he needed to graduate. He just went above to help. Hold your memorys close to your heart. 💕💕
Lissa Power says
My condolences to Mayor Kurkowski’s family. I worked for him during the times he was Mayor. It was clear to me the love he had for his family, community and country. Loyalty was important to him as well. I hope you can celebrate his life and, if you inherited his sense of humor, may it serve you well as you continue your lives without him. He was so proud of all of his kids/grandkids and it was obvious he adored his wife Peg.
Tammy Mallett Pecha says
So sorry for your loss, such a wonderful teacher and man.
Wanda Ayers says
To all of George’s family I am so sorry for your loss. George was my favorite teacher. I graduated in 1978 & it is Mr. Kurkowski I remember best. It’s hard to imagine all the lives he positively influenced. God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Joe Fredrickson says
Great man. Was always good to me
Lynn Harper says
I am so sorry for your loss! Your family are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏼
Jennifer Dixon says
We are praying for you all. Deep condolences for your loss. George was always an upstanding man and always was good to me. My heart is with you all. Peg we are praying for your strength through this time as well. Love Jennifer (Rita’s daughter)
Rob bartholomew says
Sorry to hear this how and the rest of George’s family. Great teacher. Didn’t know he was in the military and how much education he had. Although it doesn’t surprise me! Take care and God bless
Bruce Klapmeier says
So sorry for your loss, George was an amazing man. We’re losing so many of his great generation! Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Garry P Bunke says
Sorry for your loss.
Ellen Ball says
He was a great man. May he be at peace
Wayne & Lane Buck says
To all of George’s family. We are so sorry for the loss of your dad and your granddad. He was an amazing man he will be missed dearly. I really enjoyed the many visits that we had each time he came for supper. I will miss his bright smile. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers.
Pam Rogge says
My condolences to the Kurkowski family at this time and in the days ahead. Cherish the memories!
Kimberly Meidinger Wilson says
So sorry Tom & family. He was a great man, raised great kids, and did so much for little town of MC. Be very proud, stand tall. Him & Chris are up there catching up & keeping watch. God Bless. Prayers & strength. The Meidinger Family
Sara Tomlinson says
It was such a pleasure to take care of him!! He was such a kind man and loved every thing I did for him!! I’ll miss him dearly!! Thanks for giving us the opportunity to take care of him!! RIP George!! Love and miss you dearly!
De-De Hause says
Sorry for your loss
Steve Tom says
What a great man. Had no enemies, but you didn’t want to get on his bad side. He inspired many students and even a 2nd senior class motto, “Mr. K for Mayor”. RIP Mr. K.
Billie Goggin says
I am very sorry to hear this news!! I so enjoyed his classes and visiting with him. Prayers for his friends and family and a big thank you for all he did!
Beth Ann and Doug Wiedeman says
So sorry for your loss, prayers for you during this time of grieving.
Mimi Mathers Meredith says
I was a better student and am a better person because I had Mr. Kurkowski for a teacher. He was a great man. My sympathy and prayers are with all his family.
Diana Elwood says
Kurkowski Family, Chris and I are so sorry for your loss. W both have great memories of Mr. Kurkowski from high school and after. May God give you all His peace and comfort at this hard time.
Chris and Diana Elwood
La Juan Kope says
He was my government teacher in High School. I just loved him. Prayers to his family.
Carol Gamble says
Tom, Paula and family, My sympathy during this time of loss. May God give you his peace and comfort.
Linda R Wildman says
My prayers go out to your family. I worked for George for all of his years as Mayor and his years on the Council. He appreciated all his employees and I had great respect for him. He was respected around the state as he participated in politics. I remember well the trips to the Montana League of Cities and Towns conventions and the Clerks, Treasurers and Elected Officials school! George was a fun to be around and made work enjoyable! My heart goes out to your family as I know how much you meant to he and Peg.
Michelle Etchemendy Luckow says
So very sorry to hear the George had passed. Mr Kurkowski was my government teacher my senior year and is and will be fondly remembered as a teacher that made a difference. The very first day of class he gave us a test, it told us to read thru the entire test first and of course the last sentence in the test said we didn’t have to take the test and he was testing us weather we could follow instructions. I had a lot of respect for Mr Kurkowski and our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family.
Jack Regan says
I had the privilege of working with George as a teacher an administrator. He was the ultimate professional and always had the best interests of his students at heart. He was a positive influence in the high school and made it a great place to work. We lost a great man and I feel so fortunate to have worked with him and been his friend. May God bless you and your family.
Karen Morris says
Many years ago, we were neighbors down the block. I was also fortunate enough to have George as a teacher. Some of the most valuable and long lasting things he taught were outside of the subject matter. He cared deeply about his students and we knew it. To this day, I remember that he let me take a test at home while I was recovering from chicken pox so that I would not be so far behind when I returned to classes. From experience, I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one (my parents are both gone now). My prayer is that your memories will help you transition through this time of loss. Thank you for sharing George. His legacy is truly in the impact of how he helped so many of us see the world through kinder eyes. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Shumon Pius says
I don’t have many memories of George but the few I have are good. My heart goes out to all his family at this time…what a great life he had. May he rest in peace, and may all his loved ones be comforted. God bless you all.
Carol Bailey says
I am so sorry to lose another cousin……………my sympathy for Peg , his kids and grandkids.. There are a lot of nice things said about him which tells what a good and influential man he was.i
ELLIS Neuhardt says
George was a wonderful man , teacher and family friend our condolences to your family.
Rick Powell says
I am sorry to hear about George passing. He was one of the first people I met when I came to Miles City. I considered him a mentor and more importantly a friend. We had many good times together teaching in the history department. He was always a lot of fun. George was always dedicated to his profession both in teaching and city government. I enjoyed his sense of humor and kindness. He was extremely proud of his family. George took great pride in his duties as a teacher and as a city official. He left a good legacy in everything he did. He will always be remembered!
God bless his family.
Kevin & Lori Donnelly says
Joe , Matt , and families
Sorry to hear of your loss may God be with you. You’re in our prayers.
Lillian Ostendorf says
Mr. Kurkowski was a great teacher and a fun person. Our condolences to the family.
Tom and Lillian
Brandi Chambers says
Joe, Ramona, Alexa and Tara, I am so very sorry for your loss!
I love you all very much!
Brandi!
BONNIE CURRAN says
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. A Special hello to Peggy. Bud and I always enjoyed seeing you two.
Casey J Phalen says
Oh my I sure am sorry to hear this. I could tell you some crazy stories. I was able to share some of them recently with Peg. I remembered when I was in high school. Mr. K was having a tough day. I followed him down to the teachers room. As I walked in the smoke was just thick in the teachers lounge. It was like I had just stepped into the secret society for teachers. When I was questioned I said I wanted to talk to Mr K. He came out and I got to pray with him. We became friends from that day forward. You will be missed. Keep you memories close for they will carry you through. God love ya all rest in piece
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful teacher and man. May God be with you.
Jan C, Johnson says
Peggy and family,
So sorry to read of George’s passing. Mother (Clara Cox) was always pleased to see you and George when you came to visit her. There were a lot of good times. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts.
Cheryl Griswold says
George served many throughout his life but its his dedication to his family I remember most. He was a remarkable man and he love you all dearly. You have my deepest sympathy.
Rob Johnstone says
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of your wonderful family at this difficult time. I know you have so many amazing memories to focus on to help you through.
Cherie & Doug Heser says
Peggy and Family,
We are unable to attend the funeral but want you to know that our arms are around you in prayer. Peggy, you and George were such a wonderful couple. And he offered so much to communities and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for comfort and many blessed memories.
Lloyd and Jan Sohl says
Our sympathy to the Kurkowski family in the loss of George. A first class quality man that wanted and worked for the best for the community that he lived in and his family.
Chris D Christopherson says
What a great individual and leader of our community! He will be missed. Prayers for all of you he left behind!
Karla Murnin says
To all the Kurkowski family, my most sincere condolences. He was proud of each one of you! May you carry his legacy well.
Audrey Stoican says
Condolences to the entire Kurkowski family. There are teachers that hold special places in our memories. He was one. May you be comforted now & in the days ahead.
Marc & Denise Hartse says
Our deepest sympathies to the Kurkowski family.
Gary Coffrin says
George Kurkowski was a strongly positive influence during my formative years. He managed us sometimes unruly students with a gentle demeanor. As a CCHS 1968 class member, I recall that Mr. Kurkowski had started teaching during my junior year. I always saw him in a suit coat, white shirt, and tie. I thought of him as urbane, and what a surprise it is to me to learn that he had a ranching background.
All my encounters with Mr. Kurkowski were during my youth, and I recall him with fondness. It was my loss that we never had conversations as two adults. To his family and those who shared his friendship, I extend my condolences.
Jeff virag says
George was great ! He stayed and taught me economics in the evenings at cchs n then again at mcc
Jeff virsg says
Hello to my good old friend matt
Fred and Vicky Anderson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Peg and the family. I am honored to have worked with both George and Peg at CCDHS as well as knowing their children as they progressed though high school. George was a true professional and a great teacher as well as a good friend.
His positive influence touched countless lives. He will be missed but never forgotten by those who had the privilege of knowing him.
R.I.P my friend.
scott Jens and Sue Jens says
Peg and all the family, I am saddened to hear of your husband and fathers passing. George was there when I started my career in Miles City, CCHS it was called then. He was a great teacher and friend of anybody who really knew him. I liked to listen to him talk about the politics of the time, I always walked away knowing something new. He was admired by his students and fellow teachers, always a sharp dresser, and always had time to listen to your concerns. We will all miss him, our prayers are sent to you Peg and the children. Goodbye George my fellow colleague and friend.
John Munsell says
I got to know George quite well when he was mayor, and after his son Christopher died. George and Peg were a loving couple, honest and sincere, easy to spend time with. As a politician, George was respectful, displaying a diplomatic maturity which is sorely lacking in America today. He was kind & gracious to all, even those with opposing political viewpoints. We need more of him.
Bill and Lana Sweeney says
Such wonderful memories of this awesome man and teacher. We were so blessed to have him at CCHS and MCC – – he really did make a difference! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kurkowski Clan as they mourn this great loss and celebrate a life so very well lived.
Debbie Koehler Jurad says
George had so many gifts. I’m biased, but as a student, he inspired me beyond what I thought my capabilities were. His message, keep learning. Thank you for your common sense and inspiration when I needed it. May God bless you and your wonderful family. RIP Mr. Kurkowski
Jim Haugen says
George and I were great friends at Eastern Montana College, graduating together in 1958. I saw him often over the years while
I was living in Sidney. He was always the consummate gentleman- a great guy. His family has my most sincere, significant thoughts.
I wish for them a peaceful grieving. Jim Haugen, Helena
Marlene Diane Brown says
Peggy, I am sorry to hear of your loss, in George. I hope I will be able to find you and that you are well. I just found your name in George’s brother’s memorial. Maybe Tender Nest or some other organization will help me find you.
I am Joan Evans Brown’s daughter.