Kurt Stagmaier passed away on September 11, 2025, leaving behind a life that was anything but ordinary.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Steele Stagmaier, and his brother-in-law, James (Jim) E. Thomas, Jr.
Kurt was a graduate of the Baylor School and the New School of Architecture at the University of Tennessee. He furthered his education studying at universities in both Venice, Italy, and Taipei, Taiwan.
A skilled architect for over 30 years, his designs include recreational, institutional, religious, industrial, educational, and residential buildings. His projects have been exhibited at the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Hunter Museum, and the Brooks Museum. His work reflects a strong sense of design, his independent thinking, and his attention to detail.
Kurt also served on a number of civic boards including Landmarks of Chattanooga (President), Habitat for Humanity, Signal Mountain Planning Commission, Friends of the Festival, and the Hamilton County Department of Education Facilities Task Force. He was initiated into the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and served on the House Corporation Board for many years. He was a fundraiser/facilitator for the Max Finley lecture series, Public Education Foundation, and the Notre Dame High School Single Parent Fund.
Kurt was a devoted husband to Vicki, father to Lauren and Erin, and a proud grandfather to Clark and Charlie Shadrick, and Yardley and Jeffrey Fuge. He deeply valued time with his family.
Kurt leaves behind his wife, Vicki Malone Stagmaier, daughters Lauren Stagmaier and Erin Fuge (Jeff), sister Leslie Thomas Allen (Rick), nieces Steele Thomas Marcoux (Michel), Katherine Thomas Jacques (Peter), and several extended family members.
Kurt and Vicki shared a love of travel, especially to Italy, where he studied and returned for the food, design, architecture and of course, the cars! They also traveled throughout Europe and Asia, collecting memories and stories along the way. He never met an engine he did not want to hear or a road he did not want to travel.
Kurt had a dry wit, a sharp mind, and a strong sense of who he was. He had no interest in being conventional. As he often said, "Why be normal?"
Service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Sept. 19, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Student Tuition Fund to support single parents at Notre Dame High School, 2701 Vermont Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404, and/or The Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults (EIN #62-1326050 partnershipsfca.com/donate).