Kurt M. Swaggert, 33

Kurt M. Swaggert, age 33, died unexpectedly at his New Prague home on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021.

Born on April 15, 1988, in Minneapolis to Patrick J. and Lynn (Tisdel) Swaggert, Kurt moved with his family to New Prague for the start of kindergarten. Kurt went on to graduate from New Prague High School and then moved to Avondale, Arizona, where he earned an associate degree in automotive technology from Universal Technical Institute.

His true passion in life was discovered on a blind date with Kari A. Block in March 2008. Little did he and Kari know that dinner and bowling would set their forever love story in motion. The couple spent a few years together in Duluth, MN before they joined in marriage on Sept. 7, 2013. They then moved around a few times before making their home together in rural New Prague. The two enjoyed traveling together and did so frequently.

Kurt’s dream of becoming a father was recognized on Jan. 6, 2016, when he and Kari welcomed daughter Kennedy Rose, who quickly became daddy’s best friend. The two did everything together and especially loved swimming and playing sharks in the water. The Swaggert’s became a family of four on June 20, 2020, when they welcomed little sister Kora Moraine, named lovingly after a favorite family destination in Banff, Canada. The girls and Kari were Kurt’s whole world, and he was theirs.

Kurt worked as a Sales Manager for Nidec SSB Wind Systems where he was the only employee for the company in North America. However, his real joy was working in Emergency Medical Services. Kurt wanted to give back to his community and decided to start his EMS career by becoming a National Registered Emergency Medical Technician. After becoming an EMT, he decided to enhance his medical skills by attending a trauma course that was being offered by Templar Medical Training. The company was so impressed with Kurt’s medical skills and ability to apply critical thinking to complicated problems that they offered him an opportunity to help develop the company by becoming the training director and liaison for all law enforcement and civilian personnel. Kurt earned his instructor certifications for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care and Tactical Combat Casualty Care. He was a great instructor and his students and friends always had great things to say about him. Kurt was valued and appreciated by everyone for all of his hard work and dedication and he will be greatly missed as a partner, friend, and instructor.

In addition to family adventures and cheering on the Vikings, Kurt played hockey in a men’s league, continuing his early love of the sport. He was an avid hunter and excellent marksman, having an affinity for firearms and shooting sports.

Kurt will be deeply missed by the love of his life, his beautiful daughters, his parents and numerous family members and friends.  

Kurt is survived by his wife, Kari, of New Prague; daughters, Kennedy and Kora; parents, Pat & Lynn Swaggert of New Prague; parents-in-law, Dave & Joanne Block of Shakopee; grandparents, Tom & Jackie Tisdel of Ft. Myers, FL.  He is preceded in death by grandparents, Chris & Jean Swaggert.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 at 2 p.m. (CT) at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Alicia Hilding officiating.  A visitation will take place at church beginning at 1 p.m. (CT).  Burial will take place following the service at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in New Prague.  bruzekfuneralhome.com