This website provides information about the life of Ron Kurtus. It also gives biographical details of his relatives, friends, and associates.
Highlights over the years
Highlights of my life or career include:
1960s
Graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with majors in Physics and Mathematics.
Engineer at McDonnell Aircraft, St. Louis, Missouri, where I tested spacecraft windows for the space capsule used by astronaut John Glenn in the first U.S. manned space flight.
Taught Mathematics at Missouri University.
1970s
Worked at the Santa Barbara Research Center, developing weather satellites
Wrote newspaper column for the Goleta Valley Sun.
Starred in the play: The Owl and the Pussycat in Santa Barbara.
Moved back to Milwaukee, where I produced the Comedy Showcase at Jack's or Better, which was the biggest showcase between New York and Los Angeles.
Produced the Hilarious Hour in Milwaukee's Summerfest, featuring local comedians.
Performed at the famed Pabst Theater.
1980s
Moved to Los Angeles to try to sell my writing. Pitched idea for new sitcom series to Linda Hope (Bob Hope's daughter) and Bernie Orenstein (Norman Lear's associate).Gave humorous presentations to service organizations in the Los Angeles area.
Gave motivational seminars at the Los Angeles Pritches Prison Farm.
Acted in various TV productions, including one directed by Dick Clark and starring Andy Griffith.
Decided to get back into engineering. Became Project Manager at Hughes Aircraft Co. for LANTIRN anti-tank missles Flight Tests.
1990s
Worked as civiilian for the Air Force Space Division, with an equivalent rank of Major and a Top Secret security clearance.
Became Total Quality Manager for the Air Force's Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program.
Published SDI newsletter, distributed to various defense organizations.
Gave TQM presentations around the country, including to the Generals at the Pentagon.
Received commendation from the Under-Secretary of Defense.
Moved back to Milwaukee to help my elderly mother.
Operated Kurtus Technolgies technical writing and web development business.
2000s
Moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Developed the School for Champions website, reaching over 400,000 students a month.
2010s
Wrote three nonfiction books: Tricks for Good Grades, Gravity and Gravitation, and The Power of Your Character.
Cited as a resource in over 150 books from 15 countries.