Kurt Ryan Pfund, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, died peacefully on March 25, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on August 4, 1977 in Rochelle, IL to John and Sue Pfund. Kurt grew up and graduated from Sycamore High School in 1996. He was one of four siblings, growing up in a busy and lively household. He spent most of his days four wheeling with his buddies, causing a little harmless neighborhood chaos, and embracing the carefree spirit of being a young teenager.

His summers were spent detasseling with his brothers in the DeKalb County cornfields. Miserable in the heat, but made worthwhile by the thrill of earning his first paycheck. Once out of school, he joined the union and started working as a Directional Boring Rig Operator and took great pride in his craft. He continued doing so until he was physically unable to continue.

Kurt carried a work ethic that couldn't be taught. The kind you are born with. The kind that shows up early, stays late and doesn't complain. He didn't quit, that was his standard. Not perfect. Not fancy. Just solid. Qualities that earned him the respect of all who knew him.

Kurt was a man who could build things. Anything. He was naturally gifted and took pride in working with his hands and creating things that would last, a reflection of the kind of man he was. If something was broken, he didn't replace it-he fixed it. And he fixed it right.

Kurt met Jessica back in elementary days. In high school, a crush became quite obvious when he would drive by her house to 'see' if she was outside. In later years, Jessica fell just as hard for him as he to her. They were happily married in Jessica's parents backyard June 19, 2004. A year later they were blessed with a mini Kurt named Brody. 4 years after that a mini Jessica came along named Harper.

His family was the center of his world. He was never prouder than when he was with them. Everything he did, he did for them. They were his best project to date.

He was also known for his colorful language and unfiltered honesty, which to those who loved him, knew that was part of his charm. His vocabulary was… expansive when the moment called for it. Let's just say he never shied away from a well-placed expletive. He said what he meant, meant what he said and stood by it. There was no guessing with him, what you saw was exactly what you got. But beneath that tough exterior was a deeply loyal, caring man who would do anything for his family and the people he cared about.

When he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2023 he faced it head on with grit and determination, showing the same strengths that defined his life. Throughout his illness, he demonstrated remarkable perseverance. Even in the most difficult moments, he continued to face each day with strength and resolve.

Now there is a quiet that doesn't feel right and the lights are off in the workshop, like a job left halfway done because the one who knew how to finish it isn't here. What we didn't know is the one thing he couldn't fix is how much he would be missed.

Kurt will be remembered for his strength, his spirit, his authenticity and the way he showed up-day in and day out-for the people he loved. His legacy lives on in the things he built, the lessons he taught and the love he gave.

He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Jessica, and most of all by his children, Brody and Harper, who he considered his best work.

He also shared a special bond with his beloved German Shepherd who was his loyal sidekick, always riding along with him for his Casey's coffee runs.

He is also survived by his loving parents, John and Sue Pfund; his siblings, Matt Pfund (Kristen), Corey Pfund (Katie) and Heidi Chalupny; his father-in-law, Dan Thurnau; in-laws, Jennifer (Keith), Jackie (Kevin); many special nieces and nephews, Laynie, Charlie, Grayson, Bennett, Addie, Ben (Maylissa), Sofia, Wyatt, and Ellie.

He is now reunited with those he loved who went before him; Grandparents, Herman and Kathleen Pfund, Floyd and Peg Von Haden; his mother-in-law, Beverly Thurnau; and his cherished nephew, Jack Pfund, who guaranteed met him with a sly smile and a cold drink; along with many uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on April 4, 2026 from 1-5 pm at Butala Funeral Home, Sycamore, IL 60178.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to his family to honor his memory. Contributions may be made through Butala Funeral Home which will be directed to the family.