David Michael "Mike" Kuertz, Sr. passed away on June 28, 2026. He was 79 years old. He was born on January 11, 1947 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana to Charles H. Kuertz, Sr., and Ruth Schneider Kuertz. He married the love of his life, Susan Rebecca Ray in Norfolk, VA. on June 13, 1981. They were married for 45 years. 

Mike moved early in life to Columbus, GA. where he graduated High School. He joined the United States Navy upon graduating High School and served for over 20 years he was based in California, Virginia, and Italy, interspersed with numerous deployments on a variety of vessels and an instructor stint. He continued serving his country as a contract engineering technician. He travelled the world troubleshooting on board ship failures and directing repairs on propulsion, bulk fuel handling and hydraulic systems. In later life he continued service to our country as an Aransas County Veterans Service Officer.

He was an adventurous traveller- he never met a food he didn't like, save peanut butter. Mechanical interests continued after retirement, he especially enjoyed researching vehicles and latest upgrades. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing, but he settled on golf. He also enjoyed camaraderie with his "group" and spending time outdoors. He was well known in his neighborhood for his daily 5-minute mile walks. He was a voracious reader, and loved to tell stories and could remember every event for back in his childhood. He actually read maps and could give directions to anywhere he had ever been and some places he hadn't. Very precise as an engineer but still remained good hearted and always willing to lend a hand.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles H. Kuertz, SR.; mother, Ruth Schneider; adopted mother, Zula Ann McPherson Kuertz; niece, Frances Ling.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Susan Rebecca Kuertz; children, David Michael Kuertz, Jr. (Sarah) of Fairfield, CA; Ashleigh Michelle Kuertz (Jamee) of Austin, TX.; Marissa Danielle Kuertz (James) of Portland, TX.; siblings, Charles H. Kuertz, Jr. (Cindy) Mary R. Kuertz, Jeanne Ling (Kim), Douglas McPherson Kuertz, all of TN; grandchildren, Nathaniel and Juliet Kuertz of CA.; one great-grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was a long-time member of the American Legion, G. I. Forum, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Memorial donation may be made to any Veterans support organization of your choice. 

A Memorial Service will be held at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery in Corpus Christi, Texas at a later date.