Obituary of Thomas James Kurtis

Thomas J. Kurtis, 68, of Niles, passed away at his home in Niles, on Thursday, August 8, 2019.

Thomas was born on February 15, 1951, in Niles Michigan to Raymond L. and Anneliese (Adolf) Kurtis.

Thomas graduated from Brandywine High School, and then went on to complete his Journeyman’s Certification in construction. On August 8, 1970, he married Molly Klindworth, and to that loving union, two beautiful daughters were born.

 Thomas worked in the construction and carpentry industry for many years and took great pride in his work. He was a private man, who enjoyed the peace and quiet of the outdoors; whether it was fly fishing, catching butterflies with his daughters, or stargazing at night, anything as long as he was outside. For many years Thomas was on a Niles bowling league with his dad. In his free time, he enjoyed disc golf, gardening or more importantly, spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anneliese “Betty” Kurtis, and his brothers, Robert, and Richard Kurtis.

Thomas leaves behind to treasure his memory, his wife, Molly Kurtis of Niles; his father, Raymond L. Kurtis of Niles, Michigan, daughters, Jennifer (Keith) VanKirk of Battle Creek; Heather (Karel) Soukal of Grand Rapids; four grandchildren, Christopher, Arielle, Elexis and Xander; siblings, Raymond Kurtis of Haslett, Michigan; Katherine (Dennis) Daniels of Caro, Michigan; Karolyn (Joe) Weist of Dowagiac, Michigan; Anthony Kurtis of Niles, Michigan and Linda (Bob Mikel) Keller of Niles, Michigan; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM, on Monday, August 12, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St. in Niles, Michigan. A time of visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Thomas’s memory may be made to the Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, 615 N. Michigan St, South Bend, Indiana 46601 or to the Michigan Democratic Party, 606 Townsend St. Lansing, Michigan 48933.