Kurtis was born on September 21, 1940 in Pensacola, Florida on September 21, 1940, but has mostly spend his childhood in Chicago, Illinois. He studied his B.S. degree at the University of Kansas and his J.D. degree at Washburn University of Law. He was married to Helen Kurtis from 1966 until her death in 1977, they had two children (one who died). He is currently partners with Donna La Pietra.