William F. Kurke

William F. Kurke (1889–1965)^[1] was a prolific architect in North Dakota.

William Kurke was born in Minneapolis on December 9, 1889. He graduated from North High School before attending the University of Minnesota and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1913 he opened an architect's office in Fargo, where he would remain until his death. He practiced alone until 1920, when he established a partnership with Frederick W. Keith of Bismarck, with offices in both cities. Keith moved to Fargo a few years later, but Keith & Kurke lasted until Keith left the state in 1926. Kurke was again alone until 1946, when his son, John M. Kurke, was admitted to the firm, which became William F. Kurke & Associates. More associates were added in 1952, and the name was reduced to Kurke Associates. William Kurke retired in 1958, and the practice lasted into the 1960s under the leadership of his son.^[2]

Kurke died January 17, 1965.^[2] He married Elise Pomerleau Kurke (1892–1998) in 1913, they had three children: Robert W. and John M. (1918–2009) and one daughter, Donna Reed.^[2] Elise was 105 when she died.^[3]

According to modern analysis of Kurke, "Keith and Kurke are known statewide for a distinguished body of residential, public and federal works."^[4]: 6 A number of his works, alone or with partners, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).^[5]