Frederick J. Kurzeja

Fred, of Commerce Twp., formerly of Farmington Hills, peacefully passed into eternal life on Monday, May 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind an 83-year legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Fred's remarkable journey was defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, his boundless energy, and his zest for life.
Born on February 20, 1941, to the late Casimer and Genevieve (Swierk) Kurzeja, Fred graduated from Cody High School in 1958 before pursuing higher education at the University of Detroit. He married JoAnn (Luttenberger) on July 15, 1961, at St. Suzanne Catholic Church in Detroit. He briefly taught at Our Lady of Grace in Dearborn Heights before embarking on a distinguished 37-year career with Allstate Insurance as a Senior Account Agent, where his professionalism and expertise earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Fred's passion for music was evident from a young age, as he skillfully played the accordion, taught himself to play piano, and performed in a polka band. He also found joy coaching and cheering on his children and grandchildren's sports teams and attending all of their activities. His favorite pastimes included playing cards and meticulously maintaining his homes in Michigan & Port Charlotte, Florida.
He loved the Michigan "lake life"- swimming, fishing, boating, and hosting family and friends. With his infectious sense of humor, he was always the life of the party.
Devoted to his faith, Fred embodied the values of loyalty, generosity, and love in all aspects of his life. His family was his absolute priority, his "pride and joy", and he embraced every moment spent with them with boundless enthusiasm and warmth.
Though Fred has bid farewell to this earthly realm, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those he loved. May his memory be a source of comfort and strength to his family and friends during this time of mourning. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love and light he brought into the world.
Surviving are his beloved wife of nearly 63 years, JoAnn; loving children, Debbie (the late Rick) Jok, Fred Kurzeja, Jr., and Linda (Barry Jay) Riskin; dear sister, Camille (Richard) Bobowski; dear sister-in-law Janet (Steve) Simon; loving grandchildren, Laura and Ryan (Alexine) Jok, Rachel (Jeff) Lehman, Kevin (Jaclyn) Kurzeja, and Matthew and Madeline Reynolds; a cherished great-grandson, Logan Jok; and many adored nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Chris (Jim) Schulte.
Fred's funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, May 20, 11:00am, (visitation from 10:00am – 11:00am) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9086 Hutchins Road in White Lake. Private entombment will take place later Monday afternoon in the Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum. Southfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org.
Kindly keep Fred and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.