Vermina Jean Kurzmann

Vermina Jean Kurzmann Vermina Jean Kurzmann passed away in Traverse City, Michigan, August 10, 2008. Jean, as she was known to her family and friends, was born October 27, 1929 to Kenneth and Clara Metcalf (deceased) in Caro, Michigan. Jean graduated from Caro High School in 1947 and, thereafter, attended Western Michigan University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 1952. In 1954, she wed Andrew H. Kurzmann of Battle Creek, Michigan. Jean and Andrew had two children Andy Kurzmann (1955) and Leslie Kurzmann (1957). Jean was active in the mental health field in the Battle Creek area for many years working for the Veterans Hospital, the Battle Creek School System and the Calhoun County Community Mental Health System. She donated her time and expertise to such community service programs as the S.N.A.P. Program at the First Baptist Church of Battle Creek as well as for Hospice. Jean loved life and was always ready for a good laugh. She also loved singing -especially Gospel music - and enjoyed all sorts of arts and crafts including sewing, hooking rugs, loom work, cooking and gardening. Jean and Andrew retired in the early 1990s, building a home on Lake Leelanau in northern Michigan. There, they relaxed watching the seasons come and go in the warmth of their cozy home. They also did a lot of traveling, camping from Nova Scotia to Alaska and all points in between. Jean is survived by her husband of fifty-four years, Andrew Sr.; her son, Andy Jr. and daughter, Leslie; her grandsons, Cullen and Nathan Kurzmann and Evan Howieson; her sisters, Gerry Wilson of Caro, Michigan, and Barbara Hofmeister of Eustis, Florida; and many nieces and nephews. Her sister, Katherine Putnam, predeceased her. A memorial service will be held September 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Battle Creek, Michigan, located downtown at 80 East Michigan. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the First Baptist Church of Battle Creek would be greatly appreciated.