Kurt Engelbrecht went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Kurt was born on August 14, 1948. He received a BS from the University of Nebraska in Criminal Justice. Kurt served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force in the Vietnam War. He married Edith Bohner in 1979. They raised four daughters, Elizabeth, Alexis, Anne, and Emma. Kurt was devoted to his family, often saying that they were his first ministry.

Kurt was a servant leader. He held many positions in pursuit of this goal. He worked as a sailor, a newsman, an ambulance driver, a marketer, a negotiator, an events coordinator, an advisor, a seminarian, and a teacher. As a young man he also rode across the country on his motor-bike with his miniature poodle named "Ozark." He worked with many organizations including Hope Center for Youth, the University of Nebraska, the criminal justice system in the western states, the Kansas City Health Department, Silver Dollar City, and the Missouri State Governor's Office, while serving as an advisor for a variety of business colleagues. His spheres of influence were diverse. He interacted with a broad range of people, from a young Jesse Jackson to Bob Hope in his later years. The breadth of experience and contacts Kurt developed over the course of his life reflected his desire to grow in his ability to serve others. God was first in his life and Kurt was devoted to his family. He always placed people ahead of power and position. He wanted the best—wisdom, peace, health—for everyone he met. His commitment to this goal is best expressed in Luke 6: 27-38:

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" lend to "sinners," expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

Kurt was preceded in death by his father, Milton, his mother, Elizabeth, and his brothers, Mark and Steven. He is survived by his wife, Edith, and his children, Elizabeth Kindall, Alexis and Jose Villafañé, Anne and Rodney Dreier, and Emma Engelbrecht, and his grandchildren Kurtis Villafañé, Alexander Dreier, and Charlotte Dreier.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at The Sanctuary of Hope, 1790 Bee Creek Rd, Branson, MO. An Open House will follow from 11:30 - 12:30. After January 16, the service will be available on facebook.com/thesanctuaryofhope/

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch, 296 Boys Ranch Rd, Lampe, MO 65681. Make checks out to: Boys Ranch. lucboys.org