Gerald Dean Kurtzhals

"For the Christian your passing hour will be the best hour you have ever known. It shall be the beginning of heaven, the rising of the sun that shall go down no more forever!" Gerald Dean Kurtzhals 69 years old of Mason, MI entered the pearly gates of glory on August 22, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Born March 15, 1950 in Detroit MI to Dorothy (Tewanger) and Arthur Kurtzhals. He worked at Parker Hannifin hose products and retired after 41 years of service as a machinist. Retirement was good until April 30th when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, during this time he accepted Jesus into his life and was baptized alongside his wife Marilyn. He enjoyed several outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, camping, and being outdoors. He was passionate about spending time doing these activities with family and friends. He spent several hours with his son Matt in competition to see who could catch the biggest fish. He was also a hard worker at home; he spent many days splitting firewood with his daughter Teri. Teri was a master stacker of firewood. He would often go to the meat market after a hard day’s work stacking firewood to get T-bone steak for lunch to be grilled. Marilyn and Jerry (Gerald) spent several hours a day watching old westerns before bed. Jerry liked to travel to Ohio to see his cousin Sam. Jerry enjoyed eating fried green tomatoes at Sam's home. Sam was a great tomato cook. Jerry was thought to have a heart of gold; whether it was helping someone in need or just being a good listener. He lived a life of honesty and doing the right thing. Jerry was a man of integrity. Jerry always said, "Say it and tell it like it is, and I love you".

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Tewanger) and Arthur Kurtzhals; his in-laws, Lloyd Hansen and Martha Hansen; 2 sister-in-laws, Cynthia Allen and Sharol Hansen; and good friend, Loren Roberts. His legacy lives on through the loves ones he leaves behind, Marilyn Jane Kurtzhals (wife "babe") 46 years of a wonderful marriage; daughter, Teri Dawne (George) Korczowski Jr. of Bay City, MI; son, Matthew Curtis Kurtzhals of Mason, MI; brothers, Barry (Goldie) Kurtzhals, Marco Kurtzhals, Michael (Stephanie) Kurtzhals all of Mason, MI; aunt, Jean Gribble of Cutler, OH. Loved ones he will see again in heaven are his sister in-laws, brother in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and many amazing friends.

The family would like to thank Sparrow Hospital and Sparrow Cancer Center for their awesome care and kindness, Dr. Morris and Dr. Chamarthy and their staff. Also, Sparrow Hospice for their compassionate care and a special thank you to hospice nurse Amanda Kolb RNCM. Lastly, the family will be forever grateful for George Edward Korczowski Jr. hospice nurse and son-in-law for providing comfort to Jerry in his final moments here on earth.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 27, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Wednesday, August 28, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral home in Mason, MI. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 29 at 12:00 pm with visitation 1 hour prior to service at Pennway Church of God in Lansing, MI. Burial will follow service at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Okemos, MI.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grbdmason.com for the Kurtzhals family.