Kurt Willson Eglseder

Kurt Willson Eglseder, 51, passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2016, at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton. He died as a result of complications from a sudden and acute blood infection. His family was with him when he passed away. Kurt was born on February 1, 1965, at Memorial Hospital in Easton. He the son of Ludwig J. Eglseder, Jr., M.D. of Trappe, MD, and Ruth M. Alger of Easton, MD. Kurt attended Talbot County Public Schools, graduating from St. Michaels Senior High School in 1983. Kurt was a good athlete. At St. Michaels High School, he played varsity soccer and baseball and was on the wrestling and chess teams. He was the valedictorian of his class. Kurt was awarded a full academic scholarship to Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, where he attended his freshman year. He was back at home for a short time frame and subsequently enlisted in the United States Navy. He did his basic training at the Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, IL. While there, he was recommended by several officers in his direct chain of command to receive a nomination for an appointment to the United States Naval Academy from the Secretary of the Navy. Kurt was offered an appointment by then Secretary of the Navy, John F. Lehman, Jr. and began his studies at the Naval Academy in the summer of 1986. He was consistently at or near the top of his class during his time in Annapolis. While there, he participated in an exchange program with the Australian Defence Force Academy. He had a good time while he was “down under.” Kurt was always known for being so very kind and thoughtful. In the summer between his junior and senior year, the Navy sent him on a military cruise in the Mediterranean. While in port in Israel, he went to the River Jordan and brought back water to be used in the baptism of his first nephew, Matthew. He graduated in the spring of 1990 and received his commission in the United States Navy. From there, he attended nuclear power school in Orlando, FL, and Groton, CT. Kurt completed his career with the Navy as an officer aboard two ballistic missile submarines, first the USS Henry L. Stimson and then the USS Mariano G. Vallejo. After he separated from the service, Kurt lived in Yakima, WA. In September of 1997, Kurt was in a car accident near his home. His car struck several horses, destroying his car. His accident occurred very close to the home of a minister who had been a corpsman during the Vietnam War. Within minutes, this wonderful man was tending to Kurt’s needs and was with him until the ambulance arrived. As a result of his accident, Kurt suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was in a coma for several months and spent most of the next year between various veteran’s hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Shortly thereafter, he returned to Maryland and lived with family during his long and difficult recovery. It took two years, but he progressed to the point where he could live on his own. After his return to Maryland, Kurt was first given the dignity of work by Innovative Health Services here in Easton. In recent years, he worked part time for both the Talbot County YMCA and Safeway. His work was very important to him, and he dearly loved the people with whom he worked. Kurt volunteered at the church office at St. Mark’s, where he was also an usher and taught Sunday school. He also volunteered for the after school program at the YMCA. Kurt was filled with grace. He remembered his old life and never once complained about what happened to him. He was so very kind and thoughtful. He was very funny and a very good conversationalist. He wrote great cards and letters. It will be difficult to never again see him walking down Washington Street on his way to and from work. His family is so grateful for all of the kindness that everyone has extended to Kurt over the past 18 years. He was an inspiration to many and a great example of a life well-lived. He will be greatly missed, and we are so grateful that he was loved by so many. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Kurt was preceeded in death by his stepfather, Shirley K. Alger. Kurt is survived by his beloved son and light of his life, Timothy. In addition to his son, Kurt is survived by his parents and his stepmother, Bonnie. Kurt is also survived by three brothers: Ludy and his wife, Kim; Matt and his wife, Kathy; and Scott and his wife, Julie. He loved his nieces and and nephews: Aaron and Sarah; Brandon; Kristin and Cory; Matthew and Caroline; David; Jenika; and Josh. He was a great uncle to Aiden, Gavin, Lilly, Jackson and Corbin. Visitation with the family will be held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Easton on Friday, October 21, 2016, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kurt’s memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at the columbarium at the United States Naval Academy on the Severn River at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to the Brain Injury Association of Maryland, 2200 Kernan Drive, Baltimore, MD 21207 or the charity closest to your heart.

Kurt Willson Eglseder

February 1, 1965 - October 13, 2016