Frances Kurtis, 84

Born: Dec. 8, 1927

Died: Sept. 13, 2012

 

Frances Edward Kurtis, 84, of Milton Township, passed to his rest Sept. 13, 2012, at his home.

He was born Dec 8, 1927, in Dowagiac, the son of Michael G. and Irene A. (Fritz) Kurtis.

On Oct 26, 1957, he married Sally Ann Bolton in Niles, and she survives with their four children: Kevin F. (Virginia) Kurtis of Niles, Kenneth M. Kurtis of Edwardsburg, Sharon D. Huston of Goshen and Karl P. Kurtis of Niles. There are three grandchildren: Alicia R. (Anthony) Erb, Jonathan R. Huston and Kaitlyn Kurtis. Also surviving are a brother, Raymond Kurtis of Niles, and a sister, Constance Schulz of South Bend, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Family who have already passed are his parents and two brothers, James Kurtis and Edward Kurtis.

Mr. Kurtis retired from Elkhart Products in 1985, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War.

He enjoyed farming, gardening, hunting and fishing. He was a skilled carpenter and woodworker, having made beautiful furniture. He enjoyed restoring and showing antique gas engines and antiquing with his wife. He loved dogs.

In past years, Mr. Kurtis was a 4-H leader and vice president of the Cass County 4-H Horse Leaders Association and served on the Cass County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services.

Mr. Kurtis’ wish was to be cremated and taken back to his farm in Milton Township. Memorial donations may be directed to Edwardsburg Area Historical Museum, P.O. Box 694, Edwardsburg, MI 49112-0694.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.