Kurt Matthew Jordan of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away July 13, 2026, at the age of 93. He was born on July 10, 1933, to Irma and Gerhardt Jordan in Indianapolis. Kurt graduated from Valparaiso University and later earned a master's degree in English from Ball State. He taught English and humanities classes at Concordia Lutheran High School for 41 years. Additionally, he taught writing as adjunct faculty at IPFW for 25 years.
Kurt married Shirley Lepisto in 1956 after a four-year courtship at Valparaiso University. They cherished almost 70 wonderful years as life partners.
Kurt enjoyed creating new and intriguing learning opportunities to challenge his students and was known for inspiring them to be informative and succinct writers and well-rounded readers.
After retirement Kurt continued to enjoy gardening and volunteered for 25 years as a reader at ACPL Audio Reading Service and driving for Homebound Meals as well as serving on their board of directors. At his church, Trinity English Lutheran, he served as an usher and taught a series of classes with the theme "Listening for God."
Kurt and Shirley enjoyed traveling with close friends to locations around the world. Other interests included a passion for reading and listening to classical music. Kurt will be remembered for his rapier wit and genuine devotion to his family and faith.
Accolades for Kurt's accomplishments included a feature in They Really Taught Us How to Write and selection to participate in a humanities summer seminar at the University of Vermont. He was named Concordia's Teacher of the Year in 1988.
Kurt is survived by his wife Shirley; children John Jordan, Kristine Jordan, and Janet Altmeyer (Joe); four grandchildren; and 2.5 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Jordan.
A funeral service will take place on August 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Trinity English Lutheran Church with calling one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity English Lutheran Church or to Concordia Lutheran High School's Department of English.
Funeral arrangements are handled by FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services.