Curt was born on September 6, 1954, in Palo Alto, California, to Will and Gladys Fenz, joining his older brother Brad. Raised in Silicon Valley in a loving Lutheran home, he developed both a sharp mind and a grounded faith early in life, fully embracing his personal relationship with Christ during the Jesus People movement of the 1970s. He went on to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, graduating with a degree in mathematics and earning his teaching certification to better equip himself for Christian ministry.

In 1976, Curt joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), beginning his ministry at Cal Poly Pomona before transferring to the organization’s headquarters in San Bernardino to serve in Computer Services. It was there that he met the love of his life, Karen. The friend who introduced Curt to Karen said, "Get to know Curt; he's a good listener." Curt’s quiet kindness won her heart, and they were married on October 21, 1981.

Curt had a lifelong passion for global missions, serving on short-term projects in Kenya and Turkey before moving with Karen to Germany in 1985 to join Cru’s Eastern Europe headquarters. Using his technical expertise to support ministry operations, Curt served 10 years in Germany and an additional 24 years in Budapest, Hungary, following the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 2018, Curt and Karen returned to the United States to serve at Cru’s Lake Hart headquarters in Orlando, Florida. Throughout his career, Curt viewed his technical contributions not merely as IT work, but as a vital avenue for caring for people's hearts.

Outside of his ministry, Curt had a deep love for hiking in the Alps, singing with the Central Florida Community Arts Choir, and passionately following German soccer—especially his beloved Bayern Munich. Above all, Curt was known for his kindness, his quirky sense of humor, his innovative thinking, and his remarkable ability to give his complete, undivided attention to whoever was in his presence. His steadfast trust in God throughout his illness served as a profound inspiration to all who knew him.

Curt is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Karen Fenz; his three cherished sons and their wives, whom he loved as his own daughters: John (Stephanie) Fenz, Michael (Lucia) Fenz, and David (Emily) Fenz; and seven grandchildren who brought him endless delight.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service celebrating Curt's life and faith at 11:00 AM on August 8, 2026, at Nona Church (Moss Park Campus), at 11221 John Wycliffe Blvd, Orlando, FL 32832.

For out-of-town guests seeking accommodation, nearby hotel options include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Orlando Southeast (12150 Pioneers Way, Orlando, FL 32832, offering a free shuttle to MCO Airport) and the Aloft by Marriott Orlando Lake Nona (7215 Corner Dr, Orlando, FL 32827).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Curt’s chosen ministry, Cru Ukraine: Ukraine for Christ.

Cru 

PO Box 628222 

Orlando, FL 32862-8222

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