Michael L. Kurta

ASHLAND, Wis. — Michael L. Kurta, 85, longtime resident of Gile, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013, at Golden Living Center-Court Manor in Ashland, with his loving wife of 63 years, Delores, by his side.

He was born Aug. 4, 1927, in Ironwood, Mich., to Michael A. and Justine (Kovalas) Kurta, and attended the Ironwood Area Schools. Following school, he was employed as a miner at local mines including Cary, Montreal, Penokee and White Pine mines. He was also employed at Lutey’s Flower Shop and Greenhouse for many years, and retired from George Nasi Construction in 1999.

Michael was united in marriage with the former Delores Rowe, of Ironwood, on July 15, 1950, at the parsonage at First Methodist Church in Ironwood, with the Reverend Gonser officiating. Delores survives.

Michael is also survived by his children, son, Gary (Debra), of Lompoc, Calif., and daughters, Sharon (Wayland) Koski, of Virginia Beach, Va., Cheryl (Jerry) Sokolowski, of Ironwood, and Penny (Kurt) Kluhsman, of Hurley. Also surviving are a sister, Jean Maki, and a brother, Louis “Butch” Kurta, both of Ironwood; a brother and sister-in-law, William and Judy Rowe of Fox River Grove, Ill .; sisters-in-law, Arnette Magnuson, Village of Lakewood, Ill., and Margaret Kauppi, Tow, Texas; and brother-in-law, John Rowe, of Santa Barbara, Calif. Michael had nine grandchildren, Steven Kurta, Nikki Kurta, Kari (Ryan) Fictum, Heather Brandis, Kristie (Tim) Ricks, Jerry Jr. (Jamie) Sokolowski, Bryan (Randi) Sokolowski, and Kristopher and Holly Kluhsman; and nine great-grandchildren, Stormy, Chance, Jacob and Matthew Sokolowski, and Quinn, Riley, Josalyn, Khanu and Ayzlin Ricks; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Michael A. and Justine Kurta; father- and mother-in-law, William “Buck” and Rene “Irene/Rena” Rowe; brother, Barney and sister-in-law, Betty Kurta; sister, Dorothy and brother-in-law, Robert O’leary, sister, Marion and brother-in-law, Kenneth Butson; brothers-in-law, Marvin Maki, Walter Kauppi and Andrew Magnuson; and sister-in-law, Sue Kurta.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Golden Living Center-Court Manor in Ashland for the wonderful care, concern and personal attention they provided for Michael and his family. They would also like to thank Bernie Hibbeln and Range Funeral Service and Crematory of Hurley and Ironwood for their kind assistance and for making this transition in our lives a little easier.

Cremation has taken place. A private ceremony is being planned.