Kurt Talsma

IRON RIVER, Mich. - Kurt Talsma, 52, slipped peacefully into his Savior's arms July 27, 2018, at Aspirus Iron River Hospital, Iron River.

Kurt was born March 12, 1966, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of John and Patricia (Spike) Talsma.

He was baptized April 17, 1966, and confirmed May 18, 1980.

Kurt attended Caledonia Public Schools and was active in the Kent County 4-H program before he moved with his family to Bruce Crossing in 1981. Kurt graduated from Ewen-Trout Creek High School in 1984, then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed jump school and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne. He was medically discharged in March of 1990. Kurt attended Michigan Technological University, Northwestern Lutheran College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

Kurt married Elizabeth Hannemann in 1991. He worked in construction in the 1990s and started his own company, Carpentry by Kurt, in East Troy, Wis.

Kurt returned to Bruce Crossing in 2000. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and acting with the Adventure Artisians. In June 2012, he sustained a traumatic brain injury that left him incapacitated and blind. He spent his last years at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls, Mich.

Kurt is survived by his parents, John and Patricia Talsma, siblings Valerie Talsma, Pam (Mike) Krueger, and Craig (Melissa) Talsma; nieces and nephews Rose (Kurt) Shrader, Paul Krueger, Laura (William) King and Eli Talsma; great-niece Evelyn Shrader; aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and friends.

Visitation will take place Thursday, Aug. 2, from 6-8 p.m. at Cane Funeral Home, Bruce Crossing. Visitation will also take place on Friday, Aug. 3, from 10-11 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Bruce Crossing. Pastor Timothy Johnson will officiate. Burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bruce Crossing, with military rites.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice or to Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.

The Cane Funeral Home of Bruce Crossing is assisting the family with arrangements.