Michael F. Kuhrt

Kuhrt, Michael F.
SAND LAKE - Michael F. Kuhrt, PhD, 78, died Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Albany Medical Center Hospital.
Michael Kuhrt was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, in 1946, to Stanley Kuhrt and Lillian (Heitz) Kuhrt. He grew up an only child with his parents and his grandmother, Sena (Johnson) Kuhrt. He excelled in school and earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he eventually earned a doctorate in the then-emerging field of microbiology. In 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn Knoflicek, who would remain at his side from then on.
After his post-doctorate studies at the University of Virginia, his career began in the pharmaceuticals industry at Sterling Drug in Rensselaer, New York. As computerized data processing matured, he found another opportunity to enter a rapidly developing field. When Sterling moved out of state, he stayed and became a computer information systems professor at the College of Saint Rose, where he taught until his retirement, in 2013.
He was endlessly curious about the natural world and an avid birder. He played multiple instruments and was president of the Hudson-Mohawk Recorder Society at the time of his passing.
He also enjoyed skiing, which he mastered in retirement, becoming a PSIA-certified instructor at Jiminy Peak.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include two sons, Matthew F. (Kate) Kuhrt, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and David M. (Kristen) Kuhrt, Scarborough, Maine, and four grandchildren, Heiki, Liisi, Aisley and Kepler. He was fiercely proud of all of their activities and was always ready to share stories about them with others.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you consider a donation to either the American Bird Conservancy or Donate Life America.
He was also a prodigious giver and receiver of hugs. If you would hug those you love and think of how many such gifts we can contribute to this world through his spirit of kindness and generosity, you can rest assured you have made him, and those of us who miss him dearly, that much happier.
We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle or view videos. Arrangements by DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home Inc., West Sand Lake.