Charles Henry Kurt

Holocaust survivor Charles Kurt, who tirelessly shared his story, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. He was 99 years old. He was born on June 7, 1926, in Vienna, Austria, to Vilma and Paul Goldschmidt. At 12 years old, he was forced to flee his native country on a Kindertransport to Belgium. After living in an orphanage for 2 years, he traveled alone to America on the Holland America Volendam and arrived in New York. He was moved to tears by the sight of the Statue of Liberty. After traveling by train to Houston, he was reunited with his mother and stepfather. He graduated from San Jacinto High School, where he proudly volunteered to raise the flag every morning. When WW2 began, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and subsequently fought in the Philippines. He retained a love for the Filipino people for his entire life. Upon his return to Houston, he attended the University of Houston and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business. He found his calling in sales with Hamilton Beach, where he worked for 30+ years. Charles met the love of his life, Sarah, on a blind date. They were married in 1952 and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary one year before her passing in 2018. It was important to Charles that he share his experiences as much as possible both in the Houston area as well as at his school in Vienna. The children always listened attentively and asked thought-provoking questions. He was the featured speaker at the unveiling of a monument in his district in Vienna. It was televised and broadcast nationally. He is also highlighted in several books describing his life in Vienna. As a steadfast husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Charles loved his family deeply. He epitomized strength, courage, resilience, and optimism throughout his life – values he imprinted on all who knew him well. Charles is survived by his sons, Paul (Karen) and Walter (Denise), grandchildren, Michael Kurt (Alisha), Adele Kurt Brunson (Parker), and Christina Kurt, as well as great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Olivia, and Nora Kurt, and Cecilia and Philip Brunson. Charles was dearly loved by his wonderful caregivers, Sonya, Janet, Marsha, Sheryl, and Claudia. We will be forever grateful for their loving care. He will be dearly missed by all who met him and were fortunate enough to hear his incredible story of survival. A funeral service will take place on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Herman & Elaine Proler Chapel at Beth Israel Memorial Garden, 1101 Antoine Drive, Houston, Texas 77055. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in memory of Charles Kurt to Holocaust Museum Houston, https://hmh.org/.

Charles Henry Kurt

June 7, 1926 - November 12, 2025