Kurt Von Voetsch

Kurt Von Voetsch passed away on October 14, 2020, surrounded by his family at Niagara Hospice. Under the skilled surgical talents of Dr. Robert Fenstermaker at Roswell Hospital and medical treatment supervised by Dr. Lazlo Mechtler at the Dent Neurological Institute Kurt survived for 12 years with stage 4 glioblastoma brain cancer. 

Born November 19, 1963, Kurt attended Niagara Wheatfield Schools where he participated in Football, Ice Hockey and LaCrosse. He later went on to attended NCCC where he developed his life long commitment to Art. Upon graduating from NCCC with an AAS in Fine Arts, he transferred to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where he received his BFA in Fine Arts. This was followed by a graduate assistantship at Ohio University where he received his MFA in Fine Arts. He received a second masters degree in Student Personnel Administration from S.U.N.Y at Buffalo. Upon graduation Kurt was hired by the Albright Knox Art Gallery, where he specialized in art installation. After 5 years, he joined the art staff at the Castallani Art Gallery at Niagara University, where in addition to facilities management, he taught drawing and painting classes to NU students as an Adjunct Professor. 

After 20 years of his relationship with NU, Kurt had to leave due to the advancing condition of his brain cancer. During his last year at Niagara University Kurt received the Vincentian Award for Outstanding Achievement and Service to the University, as well as the Fine Arts Division Award for Outstanding Achievement. 

Throughout his life Kurt was successful in his own art where he enjoyed solo and group showings in most local art galleries. His work was highlighted on the cover of the Art Voice Magazine and the Carnegie Mellon Alumni Magazine. 

Kurt is survived by his parents, Dr’s Edward and Beverley Voetsch: his sister, Melissa (Dr. Larry Schmakel); his nephew, Cole and his nieces, Madeline (Kaleb Redslob) and Gabrielle. Additionally he is survived by Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in the Boyd, DesJardin and Pytlik families. 

Final arrangements are being handled by Michael R. Goodlander of the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a final service will be limited to immediate family with internment in Wheatfield Cemetery. A Celebration of Kurt’s life is being planned for a future date when it’s safer to gather together. In lieu of flowers, prayers are appreciated on behalf of the soul of this fine, sensitive man. Share condolences and memories at GOODLANDERCARES.com

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