Early on the morning of January 21st, Kurt Paul Pfotenhauer went into the arms of his Savior after a brutal, 18-month long battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. He was 65 years old. Across every chapter of his life – faith, family and career – Kurt was guided by integrity, humility and a deep sense of responsibility to others.
A trusted advisor to politicians, a confidant to CEOs and a skilled political strategist who deftly guided companies and industries through crises large and small, Pfotenhauer was always more than ‘the job.’
“Kurt was a phenomenal public servant,” said Senator Ron Wyden (D, OR). “His word was his bond, he was as kind and caring as he was wise, and he was my friend. Kurt will be very sorely missed, but I consider myself so fortunate to have known this wonderful human being.”
Kurt was born on June 23, 1960, in Richmond, Virginia to Reverend Frederick (Fritz) and Carolyn Pfotenhauer. The family moved to Tallahassee, Florida three years later and then to South Bend, Indiana, where his father served as a Lutheran pastor for 40 years.
The work ethic that marked Pfotenhauer’s storied career took root early. He got his first newspaper delivery route at the age of 10 and within two years he built it into the largest route in South Bend. In 1977, he received the Outstanding Newspaper Carrier award from the Inland Daily Press Association.
No job was too dirty – or dangerous – for him. When he exhausted his grants during college and graduate school, to pay for his education and support himself, he drove to Louisiana to work on oil rigs in any capacity they would have him. He received his first promotion following a tragic accident on a rig that claimed the life of his supervisor.
An accomplished saxophonist from his youth, at 16 he started earning money by playing gigs with local bands. His passion for music never waned. Kurt held first chair saxophone throughout college and at age 18 he was awarded Top Improvisational Artist at the prestigious Elmhurst Jazz Festival in Chicago. Though life’s demands once drew him from his instrument, he returned to it during his illness, finding in familiar notes and melodies a source of strength, comfort and joy.
Known for his calm demeanor, keen intellect and measured perseverance, Pfotenhauer was a respected presence in the corridors of power. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts degree and then Yale University with a Master’s degree in Divinity, he began his decades long career in politics in the office of Congressman Denny Smith. After being told that the office had no openings, Pfotenhauer suggested he be given a six-month trial run, during which time he would work for free. Supporting himself by painting home interiors at night – his ability to cut a clean edge freehand with a paintbrush was a point of pride throughout his life – his determination ultimately was rewarded with a paid position. Less than two years later Congressman Smith named Pfotenhauer his Chief of Staff.
In 1991 he joined the government affairs group at United Parcel Service (UPS), a company he previously worked for while studying abroad in college. Pfotenhauer took pride in – and thrived in – the meritocratic, hard-working, disciplined culture he experienced there. He also looked back with pleasure at his time driving a delivery truck, a job prerequisite designed to give him a deep appreciation for the true workings of the company.
After five years at UPS, Senator Gordon Smith made Pfotenhauer his Chief of Staff and in 2002 he joined the Mortgage Bankers Association as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. During his five-year tenure there he was twice named one of Washington, D.C.’s top lobbyists for his impactful work on mortgage issues.
From 2008 to 2011 Pfotenhauer served as Chief Executive Officer of the American Land Title Association (ALTA), the leading trade group for the title insurance industry in the United States. He assumed the role during a period of unprecedented upheaval in the housing and mortgage markets. His steady hand is credited with not just navigating the industry through that tumultuous period, but with expanding its influence. Chris Morton, the current Chief Executive Officer of the ALTA describes Pfotenhauer’s impact on the ALTA and the title industry as
“transformational.” “His passion for advocacy,” says Morton, “his strategic vision during challenging market cycles and his deep belief in . . . our industry helped shape ALTA into the strong, respected association it is today.”
Pfotenhauer most recently served as Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of First American Title Insurance Company. Charged with managing First American’s government relations, he successfully rationalized and streamlined the company’s expansive political and regulatory affairs.
He was also the face of First American with its largest lender customers, a role he particularly relished because it took him each year to the MBA winter conference, typically held at a renowned ski resort. Always immaculately presented and instantly recognizable by his trademark, perfectly coiffed, silver hair, Pfotenhauer brought a quiet polish to every room he entered. There he was able to combine two of his passions, connecting with people and skiing, a sport he had mastered at celebrated destinations across the United States and Europe. His wife Nancy says that she fell in love with Kurt watching him carve gracefully down the steep vertical slopes in Telluride, Colorado.
Pfotenhauer served in several other prominent leadership roles through his career, including service on the MBA Board of Directors, the ALTA Board of Directors, the Housing Policy Council’s executive committee and as Chairman of the Board of both the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO) and Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS).
Pfotenhauer’s enduring contributions to the mortgage and title industries over the course of his career were widely recognized during his lifetime. In addition to the recognition he received as a top lobbyist while at the MBA, in 2020 he received the HousingWire Vanguard Award, honoring the instrumental role he played in those industries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in the modernization of settlement services. In 2025 ALTA awarded him The John Voso Jr.
Advocacy Award for his steadfast advocacy for the title insurance industry. The crowning honor of his career came in 2019 when the MBA bestowed upon him its highest distinction, the Woodward Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of his tireless dedication and prominent service to the mortgage industry.
“Kurt managed to be an effective advocate for the mortgage industry while never compromising his morals,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga (R,MI). “Through his actions he had gained admiration from his colleagues for his countless efforts to make housing more affordable for Americans.”
But for all his professional achievements, Pfotenhauer’s life was anchored by his faith and his family.
As the son of a Lutheran minister, and himself a devout man of faith, Kurt was a quiet evangelist. For more than a decade he and his wife have been the sole supporters of The Children’s Light Home, an orphanage in India. Pfotenhauer also served on the Board of Directors of the Opens Doors Foundation, which makes mortgage and rental payment assistance grants to families with critically ill or injured children. Known for his thoughtful and engaging theological discussions with family and friends, his unwavering devotion inspired many and helped renew their faith. And while adroitly navigating the often intense and unsparing world of politics and business, Pfotenhauer frequently expressed discomfort with it, striving instead to live by a different ethic. He embodied Psalm 26:11: “But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity.”
Pfotenhauer often spoke of the deep love he shared with his wife and of the immense pride he took in his children and grandchildren. He found great fulfillment in time spent with his family – both the quiet moments and the joyful chaos when grandchildren filled his home – as well as in the faith they shared.
Kurt is survived by his best friend, partner and wife of 25 years, Nancy; their five children, Jon and Ben Pfotenhauer and Jonathan, Kelsey and Adam Mitchell and their spouses; and their six grandchildren, who were the light of his later years. He also leaves behind his mother Carolyn; his brother David and sister-in-law Eden; and four nephews and ten nieces.
A Liturgy of Resurrection will be held at noon on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Christ Church, located at 400 San Juan Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black will perform Kurt’s eulogy. A reception for family and friends will follow at 1:30pm at the Sawgrass Beach Club, located at 9795 Summer Place, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to support The Children’s Light Home. Donations should be made out to and mailed to Life Song Christian Fellowship, 6460 E. Winding Brook Lane, Mooresville, IN 46158. Please write “orphanage” in the memo section of your check.
