Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. William S. Kurz, SJ, who died on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He was 86 years old. May he rest in peace.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Bertha (nee Schmidt). He is survived by his siblings: Edward S. Kurz, Andrew Kurz, Eric Kurz, Thomas Kurz, Michael Kurz, and Karen Kurz-Riemer.
Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 9, 1939. He graduated from Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, before entering the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus on August 25, 1957 at the Jesuit Novitiate in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was ordained on June 10, 1970 and pronounced final vows on April 27, 1979 at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
While in the Society, Bill earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (1963), a master’s degree in Greek philosophy (1964), a master’s degree in scripture (1970), and a licentiate degree in Sacred Theology (1971) from Saint Louis University. He also earned a master’s degree in philosophy (1974) and a doctorate in theology (1977) from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
During regency, Bill taught philosophy at Creighton University (1964-1965) and Latin at Creighton Preparatory School (1965-1967). After completing his Ph.D., Bill taught theology at Marquette University for over forty years (1975-2018). The Marquette University website states that Bill specialized “in the exegesis and interpretation of the New Testament, particularly Luke-Acts, Johannine writings, narrative, reader and rhetorical criticism, biblical intertextuality, and the renewed exegetical movement toward increasingly theological interpretation.” In 2018, Bill was missioned to the St. Camillus Jesuit Community to pray for the Church and the Society.
Bill was a devoted Jesuit and priest. The Eucharist was central to his life and — through his words and deeds — he encouraged others to follow Jesus more closely. He was a wonderful New Testament scholar who authored many books and articles including Acts of the Apostles, Following Jesus: A Disciple’s Guide to Luke and Acts, and Reading the Bible as God’s Own Story: A Catholic Approach to Bringing Scripture to Life. Bill was an excellent teacher and, in 1997, received the Marquette University award for Teaching Excellence. He strove to help others find God in their daily lives especially with the help of the scriptures. Bill was a huge Marquette University sports fan and especially loved cheering on the men’s basketball team.
Fr. Jack Treloar, SJ, states this about Bill:
Bill was a scholar by profession and excelled in New Testament exegesis. Despite his excellent scholarship he had a genuine knack for simplicity in his exposition of scripture. He led a simple uncomplicated life always in service of his profession as a scholar and the Master he loved.
Fr. George Winzenburg, SJ, has this to say about Bill:
Bill was both an accomplished New Testament scholar and a zealous priest. Over his long years at Marquette University he influenced thousands of undergraduate and graduate students. He was a man of strong convictions and much enthusiasm, a lively companion to his brother Jesuits.
Bill published 8 books (one sold almost a million copies) and several articles. He taught NT courses during his sabbaticals, at Hekima College in Nairobi, Franciscan University in Ohio, and St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee.
Bill became friends with residents at St. Camillus East Tower where he enjoyed meals, sang in a Bel Canto Choir, and serenaded residents in memory care. He also painted and sold gift cards. Many friends visited him before he died.
