John Robert Kurth

John Robert Kurth was born at his grandmother’s home on 651 Front Street in Grand Rapids on July 5, 1932. He was welcomed into the world by his parents John Joseph & Florence (Antel) Kurth during the Great Depression.

To support their son, John Joseph worked at the 5-10 store as a window trimmer and Florence worked in an office downtown. To save bus fare, the couple would walk to and from their home on Front Street knowing John Robert was safe in the care of his grandmother.

Eventually the young family moved to their own home on Aberdeen Street, and John attended Aberdeen Elementary School. Two weeks after graduating from Creston High School, John was drafted in the United States Air Force.

He proudly served his country during the Korean War and was assigned to the 443rd Air Base Squadron. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal before he was honorably discharged after almost 6 years of faithful duty.

Returning to Michigan, John used the GI Bill to attend Michigan State University. After graduation, he started his career working for the March of Dimes as a district manager.

Looking for a different career path, John moved into real estate. He spent over 50 years working as an agent, broker and manager of many major real estate and building companies in the Grand Rapids area. He was also an active member for many years with the Great Rapids Real Estate Board. After retiring from real estate, John wasn’t one to sit still so he spent the next 18 years working in the mail room for Spectrum Health. When he finally retired for good in 2019, he claimed to be the oldest mailman at 87 years of age.

John’s goal was to enjoy life to the fullest no matter what comes your way. When John was not working, he was often found playing golf with family and friends. He loved to winter in Florida where he enjoyed the beaches of Fort Meyers. He was a fan of the American Movie Channel; getting his fill of watching old war movies and timeless classics like “Casablanca” and “Singing in the Rain”. He also enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions and Tigers as well as hanging out with his buddies at the American Legion Post 47.

John was a Spartan, and everyone knows when you go to a school like Michigan State, the pride of the Green and White lasts for a lifetime. So it is no surprise that his favorite pastime was tailgating outside the stadium before a MSU football game. He also followed his team closely during the basketball season as well as owned an entire wardrobe of MSU gear.

A true American, John was proud of his service in the Air Force. He enjoyed the comradery of his fellow veterans at American Legion Post 47 where he was a lifetime member. John thanked God every day for the life he had on Earth, for his family and his friends. John Robert Kurth, age 88 of Grand Rapids, passed away on June 13, 2021 at Blodgett Hospital Elderly Care Unit following complications with dementia.

John is survived by his wife, Beth; his sons: David (Beth) Kurth and John (Kim) Kurth; his daughter-in-law Lisa Kurth; his stepchildren: Jonathan Schreuder and Julie (Jeff) Streigle; the mother of his 3 sons, Joyce; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Scott Kurth and stepdaughter Jodi Schreuder.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday June 17, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to American Legion Post 47. John Robert Kurth, age 88 of Grand Rapids, passed away on June 13, 2021 at Blodgett Hospital Elderly Care Unit.