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Kurt Johnson Obituary
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Kurt Andrew Johnson, age 63, passed away at The North Shore Estates on Thursday, July 28th. He was a lifetime resident of Duluth, Minnesota and also resided in Colorado and Florida during his lifetime.
Kurt was born in Duluth, Minnesota to Marvin and Suzanne (Andler) Johnson. He was a 1977 graduate of Duluth Central High School. Kurt worked for Maurices after graduating from high school for many years and worked at many local and national companies throughout his career, including Christie Sports, Gander Mountain, USPS, DJ Graphics, Phillips, General Electric, USG, Cirrus Aircraft, University of Minnesota - Duluth, Louisiana-Pacific, Fitger's on the Lake and Altec Industries until he became seriously ill this past spring.
Kurt loved the outdoors, the beach, attending concerts, Island Lake and spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed skiing, playing hockey, and interior design and playing on various sports leagues around Duluth. Volunteering for a number of causes was important to Kurt, including participating in the Polar Bear Plunge (Special Olympics), the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival (Local Charities) and volunteering at Grandma's Marathon. Kurt's smile could light up a room. He was a kind and gentle soul with an unerring positive outlook and he will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.
Kurt is survived by his sister, Valerie Sarff of Rexford, MT; Uncle Peter Andler of Little Falls, MN; Uncle Michael Andler of Duluth, MN; and his first cousin, Julia (Andler) Lucente of Stuart, FL.
Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Suzanne Johnson and his brother, Mark T. Johnson.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke's Hospital and The North Shore Estates for
their professionalism, compassion, and kindness towards Kurt and his family during his illness. Kurt's sister would like to especially thank his cousin, Julia (Andler) Lucente, for her unwavering love and support towards Kurt over the course of his lifetime, but especially during these past five months.
No formal services or memorial is planned.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Deb. Fontaine
September 5, 2022
Dear Valerie,
I´m so sorry to hear about Kurt´s passing! How terribly sad! He was so full of life when I knew him and had such a beautiful smile, just as your own is. Though I haven´t seen either of you in probably 50 years I remember both of you well from Island Lake as well as your mom and dad, your Uncle Mike being good friends with my sister, Linda and her husband, Rod. I´m so sorry for your loss! You´ve had so many. You and all of your family will be forever in my heart, Valerie. Take good care of yourself. Again, I´m so sorry for all of your losses...
Barbara Running Dupree
August 13, 2022
Kurt had such a great smile.
Barbara Dupree
August 13, 2022
Barbara Dupree
August 13, 2022
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Barbara Dupree
August 13, 2022
Barbara Dupree
August 13, 2022
I was so sad to hear about Kurt´s passing. I have many memories of him from our youth. Although I haven´t see Kurt for many years, he has always been in my heart. RIP Kurt.
Paula & Lee Oman
August 10, 2022
Dear Valerie and Family, we are so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Both Lee and I were always very fond of Kurt. I would love to see you while you're here Valerie, please reach out if you get a chance. [email protected]. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Will Borg
August 10, 2022
It was a Bay race because the waves were too big in the Lake. I didn´t want to go since it was just me and Kurt-we were short handed. But was talked into it by the other sailors.
What a wild ride! I had to leave Kurt at the helm while I went forward to fix something in the front of the boat. The boat was coming up fast! I looked back. Kurt´s eyes were as big as silver dollars...
....When a sailboat heals over(tilts), the rudder starts coming out of the water, losing its effectiveness. Unable to grip the water,Young Kurtis tore the tiller off the boat! Lucky for all,San Juan built a tough hull. " The Whirlwind" only got a scratch!
"Kurtis J," Kurtis White Shoes Johnson""or(Kurtis white Socks under his sandals all year long Johnson) or "Luke Cooool we miss your good natured bantering accompanied by your boisterous laughter!(but not in my left ear)
Rick & Cyndi (Norland) Hanson
August 8, 2022
Val, our sincerest condolences in the passing of your brother Kurt. I have so many fun, adventurous memories of teenage years at Island Lake with both of you. Kurt always had a huge smile & uplifting words anytime our paths crossed over the past years! Both Rick & I send huge hugs with hopes you will find comfort in the precious memories Kurt has left in your care.
Barb (Jankowski) Darland
August 7, 2022
Barb (Jankowski) Darland
August 7, 2022
Barb (Jankowski) Darland
August 7, 2022
Barb (Jankowski) Darland
August 7, 2022
Barb (Jankowski) Darland
August 7, 2022
Remembering Kurt's amazing spirit, wide smile and all-around great guy. He will be missed at our reunions. I've included some favorite photos from those events:
20th DCHS Reunion (Kurt and Keely Youngblom), 40th Birthday (Kurt and Barb Darland), and 30th DCHS Reunion (Sharon Meyer, Kurt and Bob Roby) and Kurt and Dan Amatuzio
Dan Amatuzio
August 7, 2022
Kurt & I were highschool locker partners & roommates after graduation. He will be sorely missed
Laurie Schneider Didrikson
August 4, 2022
What a sad loss. Kurt was a kind hearted man with a great smile. I´m glad I ran into him recently and we caught up. What a wild 9th grade Kurt, me and Doug had. Made for some good stories. Rest In Peace my friend.
Maggie Salo
August 4, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear this news.
Eric Nelson
August 4, 2022
Condolences to Val and family. This is very sad news and another reminder of how short our time here is.
Beth Ann Yagoda Sever
August 3, 2022
All our prayers and love are with you Valery.
Dan Ronding
August 3, 2022
I am saddened to read this. Kurt and his sister Val were always fun to be around.
Paul Server
August 2, 2022
Sorry for your loss. A great guy taken way too soon. RIP Kurt
Mary Trotta
August 2, 2022
Valerie, I´m devastated to learn of Kurt´s passing. I´m so sorry my dear friend, I can´t imagine how hard this is for you. Please reach out to me if you´d like, I would love to hear from you. My deepest and most sincere sympathies. [email protected]
Julia (Andler) Lucente
August 2, 2022
A Celebration of Life for Kurt is planned for Thursday August 11th from 3pm-6pm at Average Joes Pub in Superior WI.
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