03/03/2026
John B. “Jack” Kuriger Passes-A Family Legacy - Camp Courageous is saddened by the recent passing of John “Jack” Kuriger, 84, of Cascade, originally from Monticello, IA. Jack was involved with Camp Courageous, as a volunteer, since the beginning, as his dad, Bernard Kuriger and Uncle, Clarence Kuriger did the original plumbing, along with anything else that needed to be done during those earliest days. In addition, Jack grew up understanding the importance of Camp Courageous with a sister, Pat, who had Downs Syndrome. The Kurigers worked closely with their dear friend, Clete Goedken, who was Camp’s Volunteer Maintenance person for the first 25+years. Clete volunteered 7-days a week and his number one ‘go to’ person was Bernard Kuriger, who was a profession plumber by trade. They also worked side by side with the Camp’s first director, Gary Turbes. All four were the first to be inducted onto Camp’s Honorary Board along with Tait Cummins and Leo Greco. Jack often was called on to help his Dad during those early years. After school, Jack went away to serve our country in the Air Force and the National Guard. When Jack returned to the area (Cascade) he right away embarked on keeping his family’s legacy alive by volunteering and attending almost all Camp Courageous events. Jack had a wonderful personality, like the rest of the family, and was one of those who never met a stranger. Jack was a wonderful son…and all those times with his dad, paid off in a lifetime of helping others with plumbing and electrical challenges. Jack’s many visits to Camp Courageous with donations and a sincere desire to help, will be dearly missed. Jack was preceded in death by his parents (Bernard & Minnis); his first wife, Rosemary Johnson; four sisters, Mary Ann (Frank) Miller Katherine Kuriger, Sheila Chambers and Pat Kuriger…each one, an incredible treasure…-Charlie
