Obituary of Kurt Schied

It is with overwhelming love and grief that the family of Kurt Schied announce his passing on September 23, 2024, at the age of 71 years. He passed at home surrounded by the ones he loved the most.

Kurt was born on October 31, 1952 under a near-full moon in Rochester, NY. The family moved to Indianapolis when Kurt was young, and he graduated from Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in 1970. Many that know Kurt may find this surprising, as Kurt always had a glint of mischief in his eyes. He was never really one for strict rules or a tie and jacket.

Kurt met the love of his life, Kathy (or Kat as he affectionately called her), at a bar in Broad Ripple Indianapolis in April 1982. The pair nearly instantly became inseparable, best friends who were also in love. Kurt and Kathy were married on September 3, 1983 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Downtown Indianapolis. Kurt and Kathy spent seven years enjoying one another, traveling and enjoying life, before they welcomed two daughters to the party – Jourdan Elizabeth in 1989 and Jessica Rose in 1993.

Kurt worked as a Parts Manager at an Automotive Dealership for 30 years. He was a steady, relentless, intelligent, and loyal leader. He worked hard to make sure Kathy and the girls had the world at their fingertips.

Kurt had a storied career, but his greatest joy in life was being a family man. He coached basketball teams and softball teams, attended every dance recital and choir concert, and documented every achievement his girls accomplished on video or photograph. There were grand gestures for Kathy and the girls, vacations and adventures – but all the fun and light truly radiated out of Kurt. He could make any situation lighter and brighter with his wit and his infectious laughter. Kurt and Kathy provided an idyllic childhood for their girls, and as the girls became adults, their parents became their best friends.

Kurt believed in working hard but playing harder. He was boisterous, charming, and generous; he was always his authentic self, the life of the party, and known for his “Hoosier Holler.” Kurt loved music – being kicked out of the all-boys choir in elementary school never stopped him from being the loudest Christmas caroler or singing off-key to classic rock music. He had one dance that he would do with vigor, flinging around any dance partner who was willing.

Kurt’s sunny disposition shone through, despite the ravaging conditions Alzheimer’s Disease places on its victims. Kurt remained charming and kind, witty and sturdy until the end – and the bond between Kurt, Kathy, and the girls grew even closer, as it was a source of strength throughout Kurt’s battle.

A memorial in honor of Kurt will be held on Friday, October 11th at Steven’s Mortuary in Indianapolis. The visitation will begin at 3:30 PM, with a funeral service being held at 5:00 PM.

Kurt is survived by his love Kathleen “Kathy” Schied, his daughters Jourdan Schied and Jess Schied, his honorary daughter Tracee Ellis, his sisters Maureen Boyer and Donna McCleerey, his sister-in-law Miriam “Yami” Connors, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as several friends that are like family.

Kurt was pre-deceased by his parents Elizabeth (Ryan) Schied and Donald Schied, his parents-in-law Rose (Voithofer) Connors and William Connors, and his brother-in-law William “Billy” Connors.

In lieu of flowers, those who desire may donate in memory of Kurt Schied to Hilarity For Charity, a non-profit whose mission is to care for families impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease and be a leader in brain health research and education.