Henry Kurek

February 24, 1951 – December 9, 2025

Henry Kurek, age 74, went home to be with his loving Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. He faced an aggressive form of prostate cancer with great courage and unshakable faith after being diagnosed in February 2025.

Henry was born on February 24, 1951, in Oświęcim, Poland. In 1994, he immigrated to the United States with his family to serve as pastor of a local Polish church in Erie, following God’s calling to both ministry and a better life for his loved ones. He and his family made their home at the Eben Ezer Camp, where he lovingly served as both caretaker and pastor.

A devoted husband, father, and man of deep faith, Henry delighted in God’s Word and had a heart for reaching the lost. He shared his love for the Lord through his writing, crafting beautiful poems, and working tirelessly on a novel he was preparing to publish.

Henry’s hands were never still—he was a man of many talents and passions. He found joy in woodworking, kayaking, tennis, traveling, and the beauty of nature. He was especially known for his handcrafted wooden walking sticks and for his peaceful moments at Avonia Beach, where he loved to walk, collect beach glass, and watch the sun paint the sky. Everything Henry did, he did with care, creativity, and excellence.

Family meant everything to Henry. He cherished family dinners, coffee time, and long conversations around the table. Simply being surrounded by his wife and children brought him happiness.

Henry is survived by his loving wife, Danuta Kurek (Rzyczniok); his children Dawid (Ola), Tom (Margaret), Paul (Ewa), Ella Smith (Mikey†), Marta Prody (Levi), and John (Makeili); seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters; one brother; and extended family members who loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Janina and Bronislaw Kurek; his in-laws, Gertruda and Augustyn Rzyczniok; his beloved son-in-law Mikey Smith; and two brothers-in-law.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Khan, Dr. Strzałka, and the VNA nurses for their compassion and dedicated care.

Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc, 4216 Sterrettania Rd., on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 3 pm until the time of the Funeral Service at 4 pm.

Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Henry’s memory to the Polish Baptist Association at Eben Ezer, 9050 Seib Road, Girard, PA.