Friedrich Bessel
Stürtz was born in Wieps, a village outside of Allenstein, East Prussia. He grew up in Königsberg, and after attending the Friedrich Bessel High School, he joined the High Seas Fleet as a sailor. He served aboard the SMS Seydlitz and participated in the Battle of Jutland of 1916 during World War I. In 1918, he lost his commission and became a war pensioner after a serious illness. He then worked in various jobs as an automobile driver and repairman.