Kurt H. Little

Kurt H. Little, 62, of Evanston, IL, passed away peacefully on 4/21/21, after a 6 year struggle with ALS. Born in Cass City, Michigan, he grew up on his family farm which shaped the man he became. He was part of a close knit family, whether it was pulling weeds in the bean field, shooting pigeons in the hayloft or a good game of “kick ball” with all the cousins. Kurt attended Michigan State University completing an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture, and the University of Michigan with a Master’s degree in Urban Planning. He remained a lifelong Spartan fan. Kurt met his wife, Melissa, after moving to Chicago to start his first post graduate job. They were married in August 1987, and together, they raised three children. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Evanston and currently Northminster Presbyterian Church of Evanston. After a two-year stint at Camiros, an urban planning and design firm, Kurt’s 30-year career at Jones Lang LaSalle began July 22, 1985 when he joined the Land Group at what was then LaSalle Partners. His work at JLL focused on the public sector where he helped a wide spectrum of clients, ultimately benefiting the public good, at airports, transportation agencies, colleges and universities, and all levels of government with a dazzling array of projects. As a Managing Director, he mentored and encouraged a wide range of talented colleagues throughout the years with a competitive drive and high standards of professionalism balanced with sensitivity and good humor. Despite demanding deadlines and all the pressures of corporate life, he always showed respect for the needs of his team’s families and loved ones, and it was clear his own higher purpose was his love and devotion to his own family. He understood that real estate isn’t only about square footage and clearances, but about the people who would be part of a place, even if only passing through, and how their lives and families would be affected for years to come. A natural artist, Kurt enjoyed watercolor painting, but his interest in cooking became his passion in his late 20’s. He was an excellent home chef, cooking gourmet dinners for family and friends. He also enjoyed biking, and for many years, would ride with a group of friends who enjoyed biking up the North Shore every Saturday morning, stopping for coffee and conversation on the way home. As one biker friend said, “He never put a wheel wrong, always took his pulls and rode quickly.” Kurt is survived by his wife, Melissa, a son, Matthew, two daughters, Kayla (Matt Vidalis) and Anna; his sisters, Carol White (Ron) and Suzanne Grimmer (Mike) and beloved extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Harold, and mother, Joan Little. Due to COVID, a private chapel ceremony will be held with immediate family, with a larger service pending at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Kurt Little be made to: Les Turner ALS Foundation, 5550 W. Touhy Ave., Suite 302, Skokie, IL 60077. www.lesturnerals.org. (Click on link below)