Roger Lee Shurtz, age 86, of Breese, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Breese Nursing Home. He was born on January 27, 1939, in Mt. Vernon, a son of the late Orval and Edna (nee Wilkerson) Shurtz.
On December 16, 1982, Roger married Jackie Deien at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Breese, and she survives in Breese.
Roger is also survived by his children, Robert Shurtz, Troy Shurtz, Ryan Shurtz, and Rayce Shurtz; step-children, Tracy Schuster, Kristopher (Chrissy) Deien, and Rebecca Deien; grandchildren, Kanyon and Kira Shurtz; step-grandchildren, Michael, Brooke, Kristine, Brandon, Aemilia, and Jaylynn Daiber, Aaliyah and Tarik Tibbs, Heather, Mackenzie, and Matthew Schuster, Tyler and Kaylee Deien, and Jerneshia and Lou Deien; and step-great-grandchildren, Nova, Aurora, Avery, and Arie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Rondell Shurtz; a step-son, Michael Daiber; a brother, Bill Shurtz; and a sister, Jean Wickstrom.
After high school, Roger began his career at a music store in Mt. Vernon before working as a cabinet maker for Kunz Carpentry in Trenton. His passion for music was evident as he played the saxophone in several bands, including The Jorrells, Night Beats, Rich Dumstorff Band, and Mr. T and the House Shakers.
Per Roger’s wishes, there will be no services.
Memorials in honor of Roger may be made to the wishes of the family (checks payable to Jackie Shurtz) and will be received by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, which is serving the family.
