Michael J. Kurz

Michael J. Kurz passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. Survived by his daughter, Lexi (Chase); his three grandchildren; Lexi's mother, Ramonde; his siblings Mary Ellyn Heller-Britton (John Britton - Deceased), Brian, Mark (Jean), Dan (Colleen), Eric (Maria), Kathleen, Neil, Jay (Marianne), and Pete (Anne); his twenty-one nieces and nephews, his eight great nieces and nephews, and his many friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Ronald & Maryellen Kurz, his son, Michael Alan Kurz, and his nephew, Sean Carlo Kurz.

Mike was a loving and dedicated father to Lexi and an adoring Popeye to his three grandchildren. Mike was most proud to be Lexi's dad. He was always talking about her life and of her accomplishments as a daughter, wife, and mother. He was equally proud of his son-in-law, Chase. Mike was always sharing the newest pictures of his three grandchildren, Lexi, and Chase, and loved visiting them. Mike was a caring and loyal son to his parents. Uncle Mike was the epitome of what an uncle is supposed to be. Mike was the Pied Piper to his nieces and nephews and they all adored him. Mike would hold court every night at a family member's cottage at Gem Beach and Catawba. He could make the simplest story result in us laughing until we cried. The more we all reacted, the more stories he told. Mike's stories will continue to make us smile and will continue to cause us to laugh out loud.

Mike loved life and life loved Mike. Mike was "all in" whether he was spending time with Lexi and Chase, playing with his three grandchildren, doing projects with Neil around mom and dad's house, helping Eric cut down a tree (he even brought his own chainsaw), making his special burgers and fish on the grill for Kathleen and Neil, hanging out at his trailer at Lakeside, or enjoying an IPA. He loved music and was adept at playing the guitar. Mike loved to listen to all kinds of music. He loved finding live performances on YouTube and sending links to family members. Mike had a tremendous work ethic and worked for the same company for 40 years. Mike was talented as he could take apart and rebuild anything. He loved to research topics and share his knowledge with family. Mike loved to wake up early and drink his morning coffee while sitting in his favorite chair. Mike was kind and generous. Mike was likable and others were drawn to him in a crowd. Quiet was not in Mike's nature.

We know Mike's spirit is with us today and will live in each of us forever. As sad as Mike's death is and as tragic as his loss is for all of us, we will always laugh through our tears every time we think of Mike. Mike's larger than life spirit will live on forever in our hearts. Mike will be profoundly missed by many.

Rest in peace, Mike. We will always love you, we will miss you every day, and we will remember you forever.

Mike's wishes were to have his body donated to Case Western Reserve Medical School. All services will be private.

Donations may be made to Gastric Cancer Foundation (https://gastriccancer.org/) and to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude.html)