Larry Kurth

One thing for which Lawrence “Red” Kurth will be remembered was his deep love and dedication to his family. He worked hard throughout his life, yet he found time to have some fun, too. Red was blessed to share much of his life with his true love, Alice, with whom he built the family that became their greatest pride and joy. Red could be strong willed at times, and was known to be either hot or cold, but one could always be assured that when he was around, they would always have a good time. He was a man of faith who made the most of the days he was given, even during the sunset of his life.

The year 1918 brought with it the winds of change in America as it was during this year that we finally saw the end of WWI and our country’s emergence as a world leader. We made the shift from a nation at war to a nation of peace, and along with that came innovation and advancements in technology that ushered in the prosperity of the twenties. This was a year of great celebration in the family of Lawrence Kurth and Alta Kull, as they welcomed the birth of their son, Lawrence, on August 1st. Larry was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was twelve years older than his sister, Carol. Since he had a father who was absent most of the time, he was essentially raised by his mother, who did it all. Larry attended school in Chicago through the seventh grade, when the family moved to St. Joseph, Michigan. Once there, he attended local schools including St. Joseph High, where he was a star athlete in both football and basketball before graduating in 1936.

Larry, now known as “Red” to his friends, continued his education in pursuit of a bright future, as he attended Kalamazoo College, where he majored in Business Administration. He played basketball and tennis there, and graduated in 1940. It was as a college student that Red made the acquaintance of a young girl who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Alice Penn, and she was a fellow student who was one year his junior. Red and Alice began dating, but their blossoming romance was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the Army in 1941. He was on active duty for five years and earned the rank of Captain. These were the days of WWII and Red was sent to India as a Classification and Assignment Officer. When the Japanese closed the Burma Road, the United States devised a plan that called for sending supplies each month over the “Hump” into China, and this was the mission Red was a part of with the Air Transport Command.

While home on leave in 1943, Red married his sweetheart Alice on July 11th, in Detroit. As a young newlywed, he returned to fulfill his military obligation, and after discharge at the end of the war, Red returned to his bride to begin their lives together as husband and wife. They started out in South Haven where Red worked as a district sales manager for Standard Oil, and immediately began their family, which eventually grew to four children. In 1949, he took a job with Whirlpool Corporation, and quickly moved up the corporate ladder, his major contribution occurring in physical distribution management, where he was instrumental in developing innovative cost cutting procedures, and remained there for over 18 years. During the seventies, Larry worked for Heath Company, where he was responsible for setting up their entire network of retail stores throughout the country. In 1986, Red finally retired from the working world after spending his later years as an Economic Development Consultant for several organizations in Southwest Michigan and Illinois.

He also helped out in his wife’s store when needed. Alice owned and operated Nielsen’s Gift Shop in South Haven for 13 years, and Red did what he was told there. They both officially retired in 1986. Their retirement years provided them with the opportunity to travel more, and their adventures took them to places such as Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska as well.

Through the years, Red enjoyed a variety of interests. He and Alice both enjoyed playing tennis, and he had a great love for fishing. Red was very active at his church, First Congregational, United Church of Christ, and was even instrumental in recruiting Dr. George Fisk with whom he became close friends. Red enjoyed both cooking and grilling, and he was always more than willing to go to the store to buy food, although he was known to purchase items that weren’t on the list! Red and Alice enjoyed breakfast on the beach every Sunday with their friends, and he also liked doing latch hook rugs. Red played the organ a little, and his dream was to someday visit the Crystal Cathedral, but he never quite made it. He had a bit of a sweet tooth which led to his love for desserts, especially if they were chocolate. Red continued to enjoy his desserts and candy well into his last days.

Family always played a vital role in Red’s life. He was very family-focused and was so blessed that his family all got along well with one another. Red enjoyed being a grandfather, especially once his grandchildren got older. He was always so proud of his family.

Two-and-a-half years ago, Red moved to Friendship Village where he made many friends. He worked at their store as well and enjoyed keeping busy. He was touched by the care and attention he received from the staff, who visited him regularly, even on their days off. Eventually, Red’s various health issues took their toll on his body and he drew his last breath.

Many who knew Lawrence “Red” Kurth also knew of his love for dessert and his strong work ethic, but it was his dedication to his family that always stood out about him. When he was on, he was on but then when he was off, you knew it! He was a very sensitive guy, that didn’t always show, but he had a great sense of humor which he was always more than willing to share. Although Red’s family and friends now say goodbye, they will forever hold their memories of such a man close to their hearts. He will be dearly missed.

Lawrence “Red” Kurth, of Kalamazoo and formerly of St. Joseph died April 28, 2010 at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo. Red’s family includes his 4 children: Rich (Randee) Kurth, Nancy (Arnie) Bunkley, Tom (Laurie) Kurth and Barb (Jim) Clayton; 12 grandchildren: Dr. Ian (Jen) Kurth, Casey (Jill) Kurth, Adam Kurth, Nick (Nika) Bunkley, Kevin Bunkley, Alex and Zoe Kurth and Nancy, Tom, Will, Henry and Sally Clayton; 4 great-grandchildren: Allison, Sophia, Caroline and Tyler Kurth; and a sister Carol (Dave) Stader. Red was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Kurth in 1990 and by grandson, John Henry Kurth. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church – United Church of Christ, (2001 Niles Ave) in St. Joseph. Services will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kiva at Friendship Village. Please visit Larry’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book, or make a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society or First Congregational Church – United Church of Christ. Arrangements provided by Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes – Kalamazoo, MI; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900