18 Comments
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James Schuerman's avatar

I've met Kurt. He is a survivor. His military service is equally important and interesting as what happened to him in the camps. You really need to go further. Kurt's story really needs to be told. He is a blessing and inspiration to us all.

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Jonathon M. Seidl's avatar

Thanks for reading the story, James. Kurt is an amazing man! Regarding his service, he was intentionally vague about that with me. If and when he wants to talk about that, I'll gladly write about it!

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Julie Bixby's avatar

We met Kurt yesterday while at Mayo and he made an unbelievable impression on us as well. So much, that we couldn't stop thinking about him and our conversation so my son Googled and found him and some other articles. We will have many trips to Mayo in our future and look forward to talking with him and somehow thanking him for the incredible impact he has made on so many. My 18 year old was with us yesterday and just sent me this article.....said he couldn't stop thinking about Kurt. Thank you for publishing this article...

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Jonathon M. Seidl's avatar

That makes me so happy! I'm glad to see he's still making people smile! Prying for you and your family member at Mayo. While it stinks to have to go, if you have to get specialized care it is THE place to be. Love the people there!

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Jeremy Seidl's avatar

I want to meet this inspiring individual.

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Liria's avatar

A story of hope and gratitude. So wonderful. Thank you for sharing his story. Blessings

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Kate Dreston's avatar

It's important we hear the stories.

It's important we learn from guys like him.

It's important never to forget.

God bless him!

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Mary Suddath's avatar

So beautifully written. Also, so sorry that you and your wife are undergoing whatever has brought you to Mayo.

When I was a little girl, my mother was friends with a teacher whose husband had been in one of the concentration camps. We visited their home often. I remember him pulling up his sleeve and showing me the tattoo, but I didn’t understand any of it until I got older. He had also enlisted in the US Army when he came to the States and was a very kind man with a very thick accent. I still remember his name, Lazlo Kron.

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Kathie Weinfurtner's avatar

Kurt is a dear friend of mine. I was delighted to see that someone finally put some of his story out there. We must not let his life die without it being told. He’s an inspiration to me and to others that know him. Thank you for the story.

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Henry Baron's avatar

If Kurt was born in '43, he was a baby in the camp, and when they escaped, how could a 2-yr old run for dear life with his mother.

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Darryl fey's avatar

We meet Kurt in the same way at Mayo. Having no idea who this extraordinary human being was and I was shocked to learn he was a holocaust survivor. Immediately I did the math as he could not have been an adult survivor as young as he looked. He told the horrifying story of getting his tattoo from and evil lady. Because he was four or five they held his arm down as a lady tattooed his number, tears streaming down his face. When she was done she said “ see that wasn’t so bad” and then slapped him across the face knocking him to the ground. Kurt called her a women with a evil heart

Kurt has shown through his life the opposite side of evil: Love , just what our savior Jesus Christ did on that cross for you and I.

Yes this IS a story that needs to be told.

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Carrie Aylward's avatar

Kurt was our neighbor when we lived in Omaha! He always made sure to check on us and brought us homemade strudel every Christmas. He shared bits and pieces of his story throughout the years and he’s such a wonderful man.

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DD's avatar

💯🤍

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Lisa Lee Mills's avatar

While at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, a family member of mine was blessed to have met Kurt, had a riveting conversation with him and had his picture taken with him. Mr. Kurt’s story is incredible and he, so inspiring.

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Jen Niemann's avatar

What an amazing man! Thank you for sharing his story with us! The world needs to be reminded of all these things, especially the joy that isn’t dependent on our circumstances but comes from faith.

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jennifer randall's avatar

Thank you! 🥹

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Chet Bailey's avatar

Thank you for sharing his story.

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