Kurt Douglas Ugland

Kurt Ugland was born June 16, 1963, in Albert Lea, to Marlin and Gloria Seberson Ugland. After graduating from high school, Kurt attended Austin Community College, Mankato State University and The University of North Texas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in radio, television and film. Kurt started as a volunteer for the city of Plano's Television Network PTN. His professionalism and skills were quickly recognized and he was hired full time and quickly rose to become the executive producer of PTN. Under his leadership, PTN received over 300 national and regional awards for programming excellence, including four Emmy awards. Kurt loved video production and film work and included it as an integral part of his personal life. Kurt was an avid adventurist, traveling the world and sharing his travel experiences with his large group of friends. Whether capturing the beauty of distant lands or storm chasing though Tornado Alley, Kurt always had a camera with him. His productions would captivate audiences with his creativity and humor. Kurt was an accomplished martial artist holding several different high-level black belts in multiple Japanese styles. Early in his life he owned and ran his own Karate Dojo school, the Albert Lea Karate Club. Whether motorcycling, scuba diving, parachuting, bungee jumping or hanging out of a helicopter with a camera, Kurt was always up for the challenge. It was a river rafting accident in Honduras on Nov. 23, 2008, that took Kurt from the many who loved him. Kurt was preceded in death by his grandparents Ruben and Mildred Seberson, Nels and Clara Ugland, uncles Lowell Seberson, Norman and Leslie Ugland and cousin Scott Seberson. He is survived by his mother, Gloria Ugland, and father and stepmother Marlin and Myrth Ugland, all of Albert Lea; and a brother and sister-in-law, Mitchell and Alaina Ugland of Plano, Texas. He is also survived by nieces Callandra Sherden, Kate Ugland and Caroline Ugland; nephew William Ugland; and great-nephew and niece Deion and Dreya Sherden. He is survived by uncles and aunts, Larry Seberson, Joan Seberson, Donna and Gene Novak, Karen and Roger Findlayson and many cousins. Endeared by so many, Kurt was always willing to help a friend; he touched and captivated anyone who knew him. He left behind many friends all over the world. Our lives are richer because of him. Our world is a better place because of him. His spirit will live on with the legacy he left for all of us: "Live each day to the fullest, love your friends and family, and above all enjoy life." In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to family who are establishing a memorial fund in Kurt's name.