Kurt Ulrich Schiess

Kurt Ulrich Schiess was born September 10, 1982, in Driggs, Idaho, to Lorin Kay and Patricia Murdock Schiess. Kurt returned home to his Heavenly Father on October 20, 2023, in Pocatello, Idaho.

Kurt had a smile that would fill up any room. Kurt grew up in Driggs, Idaho and graduated from Teton High School in 2001. He was lovingly nicknamed “Shorty” in high school. During his high school years, Kurt was a multisport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track, excelling in shotput and discus. He was Idaho A-2 Discus State Champion in 2001. He still holds the Teton High School discus record. Following high school graduation, he served a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Tampico Mexico Mission. Upon returning from his mission, he was sealed for time and eternity to the love of his life, Krystal Lee Hitchcock, on May 21, 2004, in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Kurt and Krystal made their first home in Pocatello, where both attended and graduated from Idaho State University. Kurt was a lettered member of the ISU Track & Field team during his time at ISU, competing in the track and field throwing events. He was awarded his Bachelor of Science in Sports Management in 2009. Kurt and Krystal were blessed with three amazing children, Evalyn “Valy” Fay (2006), Reuben Lee (2009), and Gideon Kurt (2012). In 2009, the family relocated to St. Anthony, Idaho, where they owned a fitness center. In 2012, they returned to the Pocatello/Chubbuck area for Kurt to attend graduate school at ISU. He was in the first graduating class of the MSAT Athletic Training Program at Idaho State. While completing his degree, he worked with a number of ISU athletic teams. Kurt was awarded his Master of Science in Athletic Training in 2015 and passed the Board of Certification Exam for Athletic Training that same year. Kurt had found his calling in life. He worked as an Athletic Trainer for Highland High School, Marsh Valley High School, and many sporting events and sports camps around the Pocatello area. He loved to help student athletes succeed. Kurt taught as an Adjunct Instructor and preceptor for the MSAT Program at ISU and was in the process of completing a Doctorate of Education. His dissertation research focused on collegiate “Return to School” protocols for students following concussion.

Kurt’s great stature made him stand out in any crowd and on the field, and his presence on the sidelines will be greatly missed. Kurt loved the outdoors and everything it had to offer including fishing, stargazing, watching the seasons change, and going on road trips to name a few. He spent many hours rock hounding with his family and enjoyed all manner of sporting events. He was also a collector of sports cards and memorabilia. His greatest love was spending time with his wife and children and extended family. His love for the Gospel and strong testimony guided him in all of this. He was a faithful Priesthood holder and a wonderful example to his family and all those that knew him.

Kurt is survived by his wife Krystal, and children Valy, Reuben, and Gideon; his parents, Lorin and Patricia Schiess; father and mother-in-law, Rodney and Christeen Hitchcock; siblings Lori Schiess, Lindsay (Allen) Spencer, and Andrew Schiess; siblings-in-law Ben (Monica) Hitchcock, Naomi Paxton, John (Heather) Hitchcock, Emily Hitchcock, Joe Hitchcock, Sam (Karly) Hitchcock; nieces Eliza, Makayla, Kate, Hailey, Lindzey, and Penny; and nephews Tucker, Mason, Garrett, Oscar, Leo, Caleb, Eli, Blake, and Graham.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William Ervin & Ruby Schiess and Silvon & Fay Murdock, and his nephew, Lee Hitchcock.

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